The world needs leadership, and there’s no better way to lead than to listen. A leader who listens controls the conversation, and has the power to build bridges instead of barriers.

Listening requires you to be present, to set aside your own agenda, to use discernment.

When someone says, “Black lives matter,” you respond with “That is true.”

When someone says, “All lives matter,” you respond with, “Yes they do.”

When someone shares any opinion, listening requires you to simply focus on the other person and see things for one moment from their point of view. Allow space. Count to 10. Breathe. Absorb.

Avoid the tendency to add value, start a debate, take it personally, or jump in with statistics to show how smart you are. In a nutshell, do not:
• Argue the point
• Jump to a conclusion
• Add “value”
• Take it personally
• Place blame
• Jump in with facts to support your opinion
• Judge the other person

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