Those who study and analyze what true leadership is all about invariably realize that one cannot truly lead until one is committed to becoming an effective listener. They realize that there is a significant difference between simply listening and truly listening, and that while listening requires little effort or skill, listening requires discipline, understanding, and a willingness to consider what others have to say. You cannot listen effectively unless you emphasize the 5 W’s: Who is involved?; Why should we care?; What is the purpose and goal?; When will you take definitive and significant action?; Where will listening take you or take you?
1. Those committing to this must first identify who is or will be involved. They consider what they hear in terms of its practical application and use, and they recognize that for any plan to come to fruition, there is a need to identify a person (or persons) to delegate or assign to oversee the implementation and optimization of the idea. Even the greatest idea, if left unmonitored and unplanned, will rarely work to its full potential!
2. Great leaders realize that one of their primary responsibilities is to motivate others and make others care. Why should anyone care about an idea and how will it affect and benefit them? True leadership means that while we listen carefully, we ask the probing questions that will answer our essential questions and/or concerns and needs.
3. What is the purpose of the ideas and how will harnessing them help make an organization more successful, relevant or sustainable? Is the idea relevant to the group’s mission?
4. No idea achieves its goals and intentions until we create a timeline with specific tasks and goals to achieve and accomplish! Therefore, effective leaders always ask when action will be taken, who will lead the effort, and how it will be done proactively, decisively, and essentially.
5. However, perhaps the most important consideration a leader must examine, after truly examining an idea, goal, plan, concept, or concern, is the direction to be taken and the ramifications of proceeding or avoiding action. Therefore, you must also ask yourself where it will take the organization to accept the concept and move in that direction, or to remain inactive and continue with the current status quo.
It is not enough for a leader to simply state that they are open to alternatives and willing to listen. True and effective listening means a commitment to a non-judgmental process, where appropriate and meaningful questions are asked and answered.