C.S. Lewis will always remain one of my favorite writers. I am currently re-reading Surprised by Joy, his autobiography, and heard something previously missed.
He and his father were not particularly close in any season of his life. Clive was often frustrated by his Dad’s poor hearing. He would ask Clive a question but rarely stay for the answers. AND...”he was a man not easily informed. His mind was too active to be an accurate receiver.”
I witness Clive’s dad all day long in this practice. All day. As leaders we over estimate the importance of sending; receiving, not so much.
Today, take some time away from your technology. Ask your team some great questions. Stay around for the complete answer. Slow yourself down. Allow your team to inform and influence you. Tune in like an animal being stalked. Listen and let it in. Practice becoming an accurate receiver and play back what you’ve heard.
Clive, you see, is trying to get your full attention with his writing. He requires your full attention to comprehend. So does your team. Funny, huh…
BUILT TO LEAD 