I’ve had a busy few weeks coaching leaders from top companies from a wide array of industries. These range from top tech companies to aerospace engineering to hospitality.
I’ve realized that one of the most important skills that leaders need to intentionally and regularly practice is listening.
Did you know that there are different Levels of Listening?
I taught these levels of listening when I was training coaches. These levels of listening are foundational to being an effective coach as well as being an effective leader.
Level 1 Listening is listening for the sake of yourself. Let’s face it, most people are in Level 1 listening most of the time. The world moves fast around us and it’s often necessary to filter for information by being in the default mode of how does that apply to me?
In Level 1, we are not truly listening as much as just waiting for our turn to talk.
And our thoughts swirling in our head may be “This reminds me of a time when…” or “Is this information useful to me?”
Level 2 Listening is listening from the perspective of the person speaking. While this is the level of listening coaches need to be in most of the time, leaders who wish to inspire, motivate, and empower those around them also need to master Level 2 Listening.
In this level of listening, the thoughts in our head may be, “I’m curious why this is important to them right now?” or “I wonder how that experience felt for them?”
Level 2 Listening not only strengthens our empathy muscle, it also helps us dive deeper to experience what the other person is saying from their point of view.
And from their point of view, you may generate new curiosity and questions to ask them that would not have come from Level 1 Listening.
Level 2 Listening is a skill set, and like any skill set, it only gets better with deliberate practice.
In what ways will you, your clients, and those you lead benefit from more Level 2 Listening?
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