When was the last time you felt happy talking to your boss?
When did you last laugh with your coach?
When was the last time you had a good conversation with your superior?
It may not be too often, but all those moments are just way too hard to forget. Why?
It’s because those are moments when you do not hear statements like, “I don’t think your idea will work,” or “That’s difficult, it’s hard to change things around here,” and “Managing you guys are just too stressful, I guess you can just dream on!”
I am sure, your winning conversations with leaders are filled with words like, “I am listening, go on,” or “It may sound difficult, but let’s see how do you plan to go about it?” and “Looks like doable to me, so what support do you need?”
My conversations with callous leaders who cannot embrace growth and always refuse learning opportunities from others often end in frustration. And finding a way out of a dead end will surely be time consuming, because breaking walls can be quite exhausting.
Successful leaders often look intimidating and genuinely sound mean during discussions, but they have one thing in common, they know when to be silent and actively listen. They may appear domineering inside the boardroom, but they are aware that they do not have the monopoly of knowledge.
I remember many young and driven employees ending conversations and meetings with their bosses with statements like, “Okay sir, as you wish,” or “Alright boss, we’ll just do it” and “So be it, it’s your call.” They end up leaving the company, not for better salary, but for better leadership!
One of the most difficult bosses I worked with was also the one who taught me that when we talk we just repeat ideas, but when we listen, we learn! And she also reminded us to always remember that God created us with one lips to talk sense and two ears to actively listen!
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry”
– James 1:19
Sheila Marie P. Pacia
Manager. Coach. Mentor.
Mastered the art of managing conversations that can improve performance, build relationships, and resolve issues.
