Listening

Message To: All Leadership

From: Misty Waterspring, CEO

Greetings Folks,

We think and talk a lot about how to improve employee engagement, yet every year we receive the same feedback – lack of recognition, lack of appreciation, too much focus on metrics, etc. Then another year goes by, and nothing of substance changes.

We need to look in the mirror. More than any other factor, we leaders determine employee engagement. Period.

Our engagement survey says our people are only 62% engaged. From now on, our engagement score is our leadership score. I can imagine no more accurate measure of our leadership. We’re currently scoring a 62, a D in leadership. Time to up our game.

Today, I’ll set the first of several basic expectations for all who represent this organization as leaders, from supervisor to CEO. None is inherently difficult; they’ve just never been explicitly stated as expectations.

Leadership expectation #1: Effective today all leaders shall be excellent, active listeners. We now listen to our staff, partners, and the public, not just with our ears but with our eyes. In every interaction we convey our genuine interest, offer insightful replies, and remember details. No exceptions. Make it a habit.

There are indisputable business benefits when an organization’s leaders are active, engaged listeners. But these benefits have gone largely unrealized to date. That changes for the better today.

I've listed several benefits below. Note the strong alignment with employee engagement. Active listening:

Builds Trust and Respect: Leaders who actively listen build trust and respect faster. People feel valued and appreciated, leading to greater satisfaction and commitment to the organization.

Promotes Employee Satisfaction: It allows leaders to better understand people's needs, concerns, and aspirations. People feel heard, issues are addressed earlier, and job satisfaction increases.

Promotes Open Communication: Active listening encourages people to voice their opinions and ideas freely, enhancing collaboration and innovation and making people feel like they’re part of the decision-making process.

Reduces Misunderstandings: Obvious

Supports Employee Development: Active listening helps us key in on people’s strengths, weaknesses, and aspirations. With that, we can provide targeted support and opportunities for growth, strengthening engagement and commitment to the organization.

Increases Retention of High Performers: When people feel their contributions are recognized and appreciated, they’re more apt to stay. Active listening helps us retain valuable high-performers.

Builds a Positive Culture: A culture of active listening promotes a sense of community and belonging within the organization. People are more likely to stay and care when the environment is positive and supportive.

To be clear, strong listening skills are not something extraordinary that we aspire to. They're a basic leadership attribute, and now a stated expectation for all of our leaders effective today. If you’re unable or unwilling to listen attentively to your staff and others, please see me immediately so we can make other arrangements.

Misty Waterspring, CEO

Hard to argue with that… Leadership expectation #2 next week.

Cheers!

Dave

Thoughts or comments? dave@goodnewsfriday.com

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Written by me, not ChatGPT, with speed assist and blunder avoidance by Grammarly