Those who study and analyze what true leadership is about invariably realize that one cannot truly lead until and unless he commits to become an effective listener. They realize that there is a significant difference between simply hearing and truly listening, and that while it requires little effort or skill to hear, listening requires discipline, understanding, and a willingness to consider what others have to say. One cannot effectively listen unless he emphasizes the 5 W’s: Who is involved?; Why should we care?; What is the purpose and goal?; When will you take definitive and meaningful action?; Where will listening lead you or get you to?
1. Those that commit to this must first identify who is, or will be involved? They consider what they hear in terms of its practical application and usage, and recognize that for any plan to come to fruition, there is the need to identify an individual (or individuals) to delegate or assign to oversee implementation and optimization of the idea. Even the greatest idea, if left unsupervised or unplanned, will rarely perform to its optimum potential!
2. Great leaders realize that one of their primary responsibilities is to motivate others and to make others care. Why should someone care about an idea, and how will it impact and benefit them? True leadership means that while we listen intently, 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 taking advantage of these assist in making an organization more successful, relevant or sustainable? Is the idea relevant to the mission of the group?
4. No idea accomplishes its goals and intents until and unless we create a timeline with specific tasks and goals to be accomplished and performed! Therefore, effective leaders always ask when will action be taken, who will lead the effort and how will it be done in a proactive, decisive and essential manner.
5. However, perhaps the most important consideration a leader must examine, after truly examining an idea, goal, plan, concept, or concern, is the direction that needs to be taken, and the ramifications of either proceeding or avoiding taking action. Therefore, he must also ask where either accepting the concept and proceeding in that direction, or idling and continuing in the present status quo, will lead the organization to.
It is not enough for a leader to merely state that he is open to alternatives and willing to listen. True and effective listening means a commitment to a non – judgmental process, where the appropriate and meaningful questions are asked and answered.
