No Matter Where You Are, Be There

The best leaders I know are great listeners. This is because it is impossible to lead without listening to where others are currently at so you can meet them at the point of their needs. Whether we are talking about people on your team, your customers, or the market in general, this remains true. 

What makes someone a great listener? Focusing one’s full attention to the person speaking, putting away all distractions, being intentional with care, giving consistent eye contact, practicing patience, displaying empathy, being non-judgmental, asking thoughtful questions, embodying understanding, and harnessing the 70/30 rule—listening 70% & speaking the other 30% is a good rule of thumb. 

I do understand that it can be very difficult to be present with so many moving parts in your work. To turn external situations off that aren’t happening in the present moment is a superpower that must be focused on in today’s world. There are more distractions than ever, so it has never been more apparent when people put the effort in to being fully present.

Why is this so important in today’s world? Well first, almost no one is good at it, so it’s an easy way to stand out in a good way in this ever-busy world. But second, it is impossible to make an impact in those around you when you fail to listen to what others have to say. More than ever I am aware of the importance of being still, being available, being present, and being a good listener, although I often fall short. 

The overwhelming benefit from putting this into practice is that when people are heard they feel cared about. And when people feel cared about, deeper relationships are formed. 

As the saying goes, “People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care.” Words to live and lead by. 

Be present, care about others, and just watch the good that happens to you and those around you.