Jan. 12, 2024

Dear Reader,

Welcome to another edition of our Inclusive Leadership Spotlight, the newsletter that inspires your journey toward a more inclusive and empowered workplace.

Active Listening is a skill and a catalyst for understanding, collaboration, and innovation in our diverse workplace. This newsletter will answer the Monday Morning Question and explore how to nurture Active Listening through self-awareness, leadership skills, emotional intelligence, and cultural agility.

​

​

​

Self-awareness

As Inclusive Leaders, our journey begins with self-awareness.

Mindfulness and presence

As we become more attuned to our thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations, we create some mind space to listen more carefully to our interlocutor and sense the energy surrounding the conversation.

Here are reflective practices you can take to enhance your presence and listen more effectively:

• Incorporate regular reflection into your routine through journaling (as I shared in my Wednesday video) or quiet contemplation.
• Consider your values, biases, and reactions to various situations. Reflecting on your experiences helps you become more aware of your thought patterns and emotions.
• Encourage a culture of reflection within your team, fostering an environment where individuals can openly share insights and learn from one another's experiences.

​

Feedback-seeking

Actively seek feedback from colleagues, team members, or mentors regarding your communication and listening skills.

• Ask for specific examples of when your Active Listening was effective and when it could be improved.
• Create a feedback loop by following up on feedback received, demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement in your active listening practices.

Presence and feedback-seeking craft a supportive and inclusive atmosphere where team members feel heard and valued.

​
​

Augmented Leadership

Leadership skills are magnified when grounded in Active Listening. Diverse teams led by active listeners benefit from enhanced problem-solving, creativity, and morale.

Self-leadership

• Practice active Listening by giving your full attention to the speaker without prematurely interrupting or formulating your response.
• Use non-verbal cues, such as nodding and maintaining eye contact, to convey that you are fully engaged in the conversation.
• Demonstrate empathy by acknowledging the speaker's feelings and perspectives.
• Sense the energy around the conversation.

​

Modeling

• Demonstrate a commitment to Active Listening by creating an environment where diverse perspectives are heard and actively sought.
• Model Active Listening behaviors in your interactions. Show genuine interest, maintain eye contact, and provide verbal and non-verbal cues that convey your attentiveness.

​

Practices supporting Active Listening
​

Practice 1: Establish meeting norms that promote Active Listening

• Begin meetings with a roundtable where participants briefly share their thoughts or updates. This sets a tone of Active Listening and ensures that everyone has an opportunity to contribute, regardless of their communication style.
• Likewise, end meetings with a quick roundtable where participants share their most significant takeaway.

​

Practice 2: Acknowledge and celebrate instances of effective Active Listening.

• Regularly highlight and recognize team members demonstrating exemplary Active Listening skills. This reinforces the importance of these skills and encourages others to follow suit.
  ​

Practice 3: Implement regular feedback sessions focused on communication dynamics

• Conduct anonymous surveys or feedback sessions where team members can provide insights on communication effectiveness. Use the feedback to identify areas for improvement and celebrate instances of successful Active Listening.

​

Practice 4: Provide training sessions focused on Active Listening skills

• To enhance presence and listening skills, bring in external facilitators or use internal resources to conduct workshops on Active Listening. Equip team members with practical techniques, such as maintaining full attention, paraphrasing, asking clarifying questions, summarizing, and suspending judgment.

​

By incorporating these practices, we can create a collaborative and inclusive environment where Active Listening is encouraged and becomes a natural part of the team's culture. This, in turn, contributes to increased understanding, trust, and effectiveness within diverse teams.

​

​

Emotional and Cultural Agility

Active Listening requires an understanding of how cultural backgrounds and emotions influence expression. Furthermore, leaders with Emotional and Cultural Agility adapt their approach to create an inclusive space where every voice is heard and respected.

• Recognize that individuals from different cultures, backgrounds, generations, and with other personality traits have varying communication styles and preferences regarding Listening. Encourage team members to be aware of these differences and adapt their communication approach accordingly.
• Encourage team members to be more mindful of how their communication style impacts others.
• Invite them to explore different techniques regarding Listening, reflect on the atmosphere within the team, and value their efforts.

​

In conclusion, Active Listening is a skill and a commitment to creating a workplace where every voice matters. As Inclusive Leaders, let us champion the transformative power of Active Listening, knowing that it is the cornerstone upon which a genuinely inclusive and innovative culture is built.

Next week, we will explore how to overcome obstacles to Active Listening.

Until next then,

Catherine

​
__________________________

​
🌟 The Inclusive Leadership Spotlight is Yours! 🌟

🗣️ Remember, Inclusive Leadership is not a destination; it's a continuous evolution.

Let's create Constructive Frictions where Diversity delivers!

​

Your feedback is valued. Please share it here.