Listen, First

In every human interaction, there is a need to listen to each other. We all want to feel "heard" and that we are capable of adding value to the conversations and interactions that we are a part of. We can feel left out or invisible when we feel like our needs aren’t being listened to, which can affect how we see ourselves. The principle of listening also applies to our roles as leaders.

In the same way, as we want our team to listen to us and actively implement our goals and desires for the organization, so do our team members want to trust us to listen to them and nurture the right kind of environment for every team member to thrive. How do we listen?

1. Deep Listening: Listening goes beyond nodding intently at someone while they speak with you even though that can sometimes be part of it. Deep listening looks like maintaining eye contact, taking notes, and asking further questions for clarity. The act of letting your team know that you are invested in what they have to say creates an atmosphere of trust and confidence.
2. Take action: The best way to show that you are listening is by doing. If you receive consistent feedback about a thing and it is something that can be changed, then make changes. However, for situations that require more of a long-term solution or are just not currently feasible, communicate. Your team knows that everything will not be perfect. They just want to hear you communicate it clearly with clarity.

Keep listening,

Courtney