You are spending 45% of your day doing this

How well are you really listening? Having trouble viewing this email? Click here The late great Dr. Peter Drucker, known as the father of modern management, once proclaimed “Of the major, basic competencies of a leader, the first is the willingness, ability, and self-discipline to listen.” The average individual spends from 45 to 60 percent of daily communication time listening... So to say that listening is central to your success as a leader is an understatement. The best thing you can do for your career is to spend some time improving your listening skills. Here are a few ideas to get you started. The bar is low.  Really low. In fact, studies have shown that some people think a dog or cat listens better than people... So you wouldn’t have to work too hard to stand out from the crowd as a listener. How will you listen better today, and to whom? Shut up and listen. Always remember that listening isn’t about talking or giving advice. It is about shutting up, paying attention, and really trying to understand the message of the speaker.  Do you talk too much when you should be listening? Pay attention.  We aren’t listening because we are thinking about too many other things. Listening is a form of service, a form of respect, and a sign of discipline. The more you can shut off your flow of thoughts, and get out of yourself and into focusing on the other person, the more effectively they will feel you are listening.   How well do you avoid distractions and turn off your mind when listening to someone else? Listening effectiveness is determined by the speaker. You don’t get a vote. Yes, there is the objective view that listening is about understanding the words and meaning of the other person. But always remember that being an effective listener has both logical and emotional components, and a big part of the disconnect is that we as listeners judge our skills objectively –  hearing and understanding the words - but the speaker is judging more on emotions – do they feel like you are listening and does it seem like you care. What does the body language of those you are listening to tell you about how they are voting on your listening skills? In closing, ask yourself: How effectively are you listening? How are you helping your team and/or organization listen more effectively? Who will you first apply these ideas on?       Kevin Eikenberry Chief Potential Officer The Kevin Eikenberry Group   p.s. I'd love your help!  One of my videos has been nominated as Top Sales and Marketing Video of the Year. Your vote will improve my chances of winning! See the list of nominees and vote (hopefully for me) here. Thanks in advance for your vote!   Listening is just one piece of the communication puzzle. Build career and life-changing communication skills at The Ultimate Communication workshop. Here's what past attendees have to say about the Ultimate Communicator workshop... "This training was the best training class I have ever attended! It teaches you more than communication skills; it teaches you conflict management by understanding DISC Model, building trust and how to take control of influence you are creating on others. I will use this Leadership class at work and home!" "The facilitator and content delivery was the best I have experienced in memory. I was totally engaged from start to end of program and beyond...I will be highly recommending this course to colleagues and friends." Learn more and reserve your seat here! 8021 Westover Drive, Indianapolis, Indiana 46268 United States | (317) 387-1424 You are receiving this email to this address: alanrussell@princetoncap.com Update My Contact Information | Unsubscribe