Most all of us have found ourselves in a situation where what we were communicating was being interpreted differently than what we intended it to be. Many times, a simple misunderstanding will begin a series of events that result in a less than desirable outcome. So, what can you do to reduce these types of situations? Learn to listen.

In the title of today’s leadership insight, I qualified the act of listening with the word, “decidedly.” Decidedly means unquestionably, emphatically, particularly, and absolutely. The point I am making is that you must put effort into listening. Listening is more than hearing. True listening enables you to more fully understand and therefore more aptly communicate.

How you communicate with one individual will be different than how you communicate with another. Though the topic may be the same, each individual has a unique set of filters in which information is received. Every person filters what they hear through their past experience, education, training, relationships, and level of spiritual growth.

As you decidedly make the effort to listen, you will recognize how to more clearly communicate with words and illustrations that powerfully connect to your listener.

Leading others in healthy growth and change begins with how you listen.

Gary R. Linn