As tech leaders, we're often praised for our problem-solving, or our cool models and great best practices code.. But what if I told you that one of the most potent tools you have full control over is something as simple as active listening? Do you use it?
Our ability to truly listen can be a huge difference maker... Yet, it's a skill often overlooked or undervalued in favor of more tangible competencies and one that you've likely never been praised for as you've worked up the ladder. I've noticed time and time again that we want to rush to solutions, bring our own ideas/perspectives/history to the conversation and don't truly listen actively.
Here's the thing: active listening isn't just about hearing words; it's about understanding the underlying needs, concerns, and aspirations of our teams, clients, and stakeholders. It's about creating a space for authentic dialogue, fostering trust, and building meaningful connections.
Think about it: when was the last time you truly listened—without interrupting, without rushing to judgment, without formulating your response in your head? We are not known for our patience as tech leaders.. we often jump straight to solutions. I know I definitely do, a LOT.
So, how can we, as tech leaders, hone our active listening skills?
Practice Presence: Be fully present in the moment, giving your undivided attention to the other person. Put away distractions (like that laptop, or your phone...), maintain eye contact (don't stare), and show genuine interest in what they have to say.
Empathize and Validate: Seek to understand the speaker's perspective (no one comes to work to do a bad job..), empathize with their emotions (they are valid even if you don't agree), and validate their experiences. This creates a safe space for open communication and builds rapport.
Ask Powerful Questions: Probe deeper to uncover underlying motivations, concerns, and aspirations. Frustrations often come due to a lack of understanding motivations. Ask open-ended questions that invite reflection and encourage the other person to share more.
Reflect and Summarize: Paraphrase what you've heard to ensure understanding and demonstrate active engagement. Reflecting back key points shows that you're listening attentively and encourages further dialogue.
By prioritizing active listening in our leadership, we can actually make a better product to our users, get more business context and actually make impact beyond our scope and role.

✍️ Did I get this wrong or right?
♻️ Reshare if this applies to you!
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