Lose control – remain in command…

By way of reminder…

Leaders are believers. Leaders are connectors too. You cannot connect for long when your audience questions your belief. Fact. And, you will not build deep connections with your audience, your team, your partner, or your bride until you learn to properly value speaking and listening.

The vast majority of us over value speaking and under value listening. The greatest connectors in the history of connecting have reversed this equation. Master connectors are aggressive listeners, first. They tune in like an animal being stalked and use all their senses to gain authority by losing themselves in the pursuit of understanding others. They are in command, even if they say very little. They use curious questions to connect and deeply understand. And, artfully they use challenging questions to pierce and push for performance. We walk away from such encounters feeling understood and kinda amazed at how much we revealed.

Leaders are connectors. Practice building your ability to say less and ask your audience to “tell you more.” Master connectors are aggressive listeners. They take charge while giving another the reins. They lead with good, inquisitive questions and pierce their target in just the right places. These are the ones we want to follow. These are the ones that bring out the best in those around them. Few master this piece of the craft. Why?

Because only a few trust themselves enough to lose control. Listening feels like a passive exercise and leaders like to be in control. Aggressive listening is the language of the master connector. Only the strong, CORE centered leader can lose control and somehow remain in command. Funny, huh…