What am I working on in my leadership development? Does it feel easy? How do I know when I am developing?
When I am working on an issue, skill or development target I can tell by the amount of sweaty discomfort or frustration I’m feeling. I relate it to using your left hand if you are right hand dominant. Right now I’m working on improving my active listening skills. What I notice is that it’s uncomfortable for me to listen to someone when I am sure I have the answer to his problem. I'm a busy guy. I get impatient and just want to interrupt his rambling and with my “hit and run” solution and be done with it!
But active listening requires me to take time to focus on what people are saying, to acknowledge their insights and issues, and be willing to be patient, open-minded and reflective about my response. Sitting and actively listening like this - that's when I feel the burn. That's when I know I'm stretching myself. When I practice the skills of active listening effectively, we both feel satisfied with the encounter.
Are you working on something that’s making you sweat? Can you feel the burn? If not you may need to reach a little deeper, look a little harder and set your goals at a higher level. It is easy to fool ourselves and not be stretching.
~ Frank
The problem you have is so common, its very hard for anyone to 'hold back' when they realise that they can solve the persons issue (albeit in a rushed and rude way) right NOW.
Posted by: Leadership | May 31, 2009 at 12:03 PM