Speaking and listening are Built to Lead fundamentals. Most problems circle back to people doing a terrible job of speaking and/or listening. If you’re speaking, be CCD – clear, concise, direct. If you’re listening, get curious. Listen with an ear to understand not reply.
You’re frustrated your team isn’t “getting it”? Slow down and get curious. What’s missing? What’d they hear? Your team feels misunderstood and that frustrates you because you really do care about them? Slow down and get curious about them and their life. Listen more, speak less.
Your team is tuning out while you talk? Learn to speak less and say more. Make what you say matter. When you’re blathering on, stop and STFU. If you’re beating around the bush, stop and go directly to the point. Talking out loud and trying to find your point? Stop, get clear (probably go write) then come back and share your clarity.
If you want to be an elite leader, become an elite speaker and listener.
BUILT TO LEAD 