A friend of mine, a key leader with a major insurance company, regularly comes around her desk when one of her team members comes to speak with her. She feels that sitting side by side rather than across a desk leads to a better discussion. Why? Because she is putting that person at ease, conveying that she genuinely cares about him, and that she is listening intently to what he has to say.

Another friend, a high-level executive with a leading company in the sports industry, has made listening a priority. He tunes in with an open mind to the person speaking, without problem-solving or seeking conclusions. This has been noticed and admired numerous times, not only by his immediate team members but also by his senior executive colleagues.

Peter Hill, CEO of Billy Casper Golf, the leading company in golf management, says, “When I am speaking, I’m not learning.”

More leaders are recognizing how essential listening skills are today. Why now? Why are people striving to improve their listening skills? Because the quality of our listening determines the quality of our influence, and that brings huge benefits to our business.

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