The 7 Listening Practices of Authentic Leaders We Appreciate Now

Leaders need to be able to trust their instincts and make decisions quickly. But they can't do that if they're not paying attention to the people around them. Listening is a key part of being a leader and one of the most important skills in authentic leadership practice.

There are different ways to listen; the more effective ones involve understanding other people's perspectives and empathizing with them. By practicing these seven approaches to listening, you can become a better leader and build trust with your followers.

1. Seek first to understand, then to be understood.

The best way to build trust is first to seek to understand the other person's perspective. Only then can you hope to be trusted. Authentic leaders are great listeners who make it a point to really understand what others are saying. While leading Executive Development programs at Marriott International, I worked with Stephen Covey, to whom the first approach is attributable.

2. Listen with your whole self.

Active listening requires more than just hearing the words that someone is saying. It also involves being present and engaged with the speaker, using body language and eye contact to show that you're paying attention. Authentic leaders know that listening with your whole self conveys respect and builds trust.

3. Be patient.

Some of the most important conversations are those that happen in the heat of the moment when tempers are flared, and emotions are running high. Authentic leaders know how to stay calm and patient in these situations, allowing the other person to fully express themselves before responding. This shows that you respect and value their opinion, even if you don't agree with it.

4. Avoid judgment.

It's human nature to judge others, but it's important to keep those judgments to yourself if you want to be an effective listener. Authentic leaders know that people are more likely to open up and share their true thoughts and feelings if they don't feel like they're being judged.

5. Be empathetic.

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. Authentic leaders know how to put themselves in someone else's shoes and see things from their perspective. This allows them to build trust and rapport, even with people who are different from them.

6. Ask questions.

Asking questions is a great way to show that you're truly listening and interested in what the other person says. Authentic leaders know how to ask open-ended questions encouraging others to share more than just the superficial details.

7. Summarize and reflect.

Once the other person has finished speaking, it's essential to summarize what they've said and reflect on your understanding. This helps to ensure that you've accurately heard and understood the other person and shows that you're really listening. Authentic leaders know how to do this in a way that builds trust and rapport.

Leaders need to listen effectively if they want to build trust and be successful. The seven approaches to listening we've described are a great place to start. By practicing these techniques, you can become a better leader and create an environment where people feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings. Trust is the foundation of authentic leadership, so it's essential to focus on building relationships with those around you. Authentic leaders know how to listen and build trust, which is crucial for long-term success.

Applying these principles takes time and practice, but the rewards are worth it. What other listening practices do you think are important for leaders?