You’ve probably heard this advice for years as have I, “Listen with the intent to understand.” It sounds good and it makes sense, but too often we don’t follow it.
However, recently I’ve experienced two separate situations in which I REALLY, REALLY wanted to tell other people to stop talking because they were repeating incorrect information and droning on and on and on. Luckily for me (and my professional relationships with them), my inner voice reminded me to practice what I preach. So thankfully, I kept my mouth shut. I focused on them and what they were trying to convey more so than the words they were using. Again, let me say, I’m lucky my inner voice spoke up in both situations because it wasn’t easy to listen with the intent to understand.
Thankfully, I kept my mouth shut and my focus on them and what they were trying to convey more so than the words they were using.
However, guess what happened? In both situations, I finally understood each client’s concerns. I finally realized why they were repeating incorrect information and why once they had an audience, they didn’t stop talking.
I learned why they wanted to share every concern, idea, and frustration they’d experienced, because they’d not been heard before. I learned why they were so resistant to the proposed strategic planning process, because of their dreadful experiences with prior strategic plans. I learned why they said and did the things they did, because of the information they’d never received. I didn’t agree with everything they shared, but I finally understood why they were doing and saying the things they did.
Because I’d finally listened, I learned. I realized we’d have to work together differently than I had originally planned. My team would have to engage with them differently, and we’d have to help their leaders and teams understand and engage differently too.
My team would have to engage with them differently, and we’d have to help their leaders and teams engage differently too.
Is everything perfect now with both clients and projects? No, but client engagements are never perfect. They are typically fun and challenging and so are these two. Each has its own challenges, breakthroughs, setbacks and wins. However, a board member shared after our last work session, “This isn’t necessarily fun, but we’ve never accomplished anything like this before!” So, I think we’re making progress.
If I can continue to listen and learn, can you?
Copyright MMXXVI – Liz Weber, CMC, CSP – Weber Business Services, LLC – www.WBSLLC.com +1.717.597.8890 Liz Weber is an advisor to boards of directors, business owners, and C-Suite leaders. She’s a leadership, strategic and succession planning consultant, keynote speaker, and author. Learn more on LinkedIn.
