Speak to Lead is all about how you as leaders can create and deliver persuasive oral messages. So why am I writing about listening?
First, because I believe listening is the "language of leadership." It enables you to establish rapport and build trust with those you lead. Second, you will be a more persuasive speaker if you listen to those you seek to persuade so you know what their concerns and interests are.
I frequently bike in Rock Creek Park, one of the many great biking spots in the District of Columbia. The road I was on usually has light traffic, but during the rush hours traffic volume increases significantly. And although there are bike paths most of the way, there are sections where riding on the road itself is necessary, even though the shoulder is narrow.
While waiting for an opening
to cross the road, I noticed a woman biking on the other side where the shoulder is almost non existent. She looked to be in her late 40s and was the model of a well-dressed rider.
But what really caught my attention were her earphones. Not the tiny iPod in-the-ear variety, but the tight-fitting, no-part-of-the-ear-exposed, block-out-the-world type. She was pedaling leisurely, smiling, looking calm and serene. She also appeared oblivious to the cars passing her.
And I had to wonder, how long will it be before she, without the warning sign of sound, gets hit. Like the college student granddaughter of a good friend of mine who was biking, attention absorbed by whatever was playing on her iPod, didn't hear a truck backing up from an alley, and was struck and killed.
Too often leaders are like the biker I saw. Smiling, calm, enjoying their ride, but not listening to events around them. Not being aware of danger before it strikes. Leading well requires listening well.
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