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Love in Business is Good Business™
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And love thrives on listening.
78%
of accredited undergraduate business schools list “presenting” as a learning goal
only
11%
list “listening”
SOURCE: Harvard Business Review, 2021
But listening really is a nuanced skill.
It’s easy to listen for specific information. It’s harder to listen for true understanding, without your own agenda.
There are levels to it. • Listening to be influenced • Listening for understanding • Listening to influence • Listening to agree or disagree • Non-listening
Strong leaders operate at the top levels.
They don’t listen to push their perspectives; they listen to gain new ones.
They create space for discussing more than just work.

I want to make sure to start this meeting by five after, but before we get into it...did you all catch that game last night?”

They make sure everyone feels empowered to use their voice.

I noticed you were awfully quiet after the Town Hall. Do you want to dive deeper into anything that was covered?”

They know when they don’t need to drive the discussion.

I'd like to better understand what’s on your plate. What do YOU want to focus on in this meeting?”

They’re open to uncomfortable conversations.

Is there anything on your mind you think I don't want to hear? You can be honest.”

And they show they care by following up on what they hear.

I asked IT about the core working hours policy and I’m meeting with them again next week. I’ll keep you updated.”

A healthy listening culture doesn’t just yield better conversations.
It also delivers results, like:
• A unique talent brand and employee experience
• A more productive, innovative, psychologically safe workforce
• Heightened feelings of belonging, inclusion and loyalty
• Strong agility, resilience and change readiness
• High-quality customer experiences
At the end of the day, listening isn’t just
about making employees feel heard.
It’s about recognizing and benefitting
from the immense wealth of insights your people possess.
“The most valuable currency
any of us has is not money.
Nor is it intelligence,
attractiveness, self-sufficiency
or charisma. It is relationship.
It is emotional capital.”
—
Susan Scott, author of Fierce Conversations
Describe a time you felt truly listened to.
What impact did that have on you?
(All responses are anonymous. We’d love to hear from you.)
Happy
Valentine’s
Day
From your friends at
Reach out anytime, we’re here to listen. →
Love in Business is Good Business™