One of my most respected coaching clients is the CEO of a successful company. He is an accomplished executive with great smarts, work ethic, and excellent communication skills. What most people don’t know about him is that a few years ago, he decided he wanted to become a world-class listener.

He focused on understanding others to gain wisdom, loyalty, and respect from his team and customers.

Remember: Effective listening requires more than hearing words being transmitted, it demands that you find meaning and understanding in what is being said. 

How to Develop World-Class Listening Skills:

1. Listen first by asking quality questions
2. Listen with an intent to understand, not respond
3. Listen for the message behind the message
4. Listen for both content, emotions, and feelings
5. Listen with your eyes and your hearing will improve
6. Listen with empathy and acceptance
7. Listen for areas where they lack confidence
8. Listen and affirm them
9. Listen with extraordinary care and respect
10. Listen the way you would like to be listened to

Leaders, as you learn to put yourself in the other persons place, your ability to understand will increase.

I have a quote I have in my office that I read daily, “Nobody even listened himself out of a sale.” -Gerhard Gschwandtner

Here’s to building better listening skills!
Steve