Anybody can hear - it takes brains to listen. -Joanne Greenberg ![]() I just finished book 4 of 7 in my Executive Communications class. The Listening Leader by Richard M. Harris was a very interesting read that covered communication from a listening aspect. As someone who leads professional development on a regular basis and coaches teachers, The Listening Leader made me think about my own listening style. I “pride” myself in being a multi-tasker; someone who can work on a computer AND attend to a presentation at the same time. I used to wear the badge with honor. Reading this book made me truly think about the way that I listen and I have come to the realization that I am not a good listener. Harris said, “today, too many listeners are passively sitting by, forfeiting feedback and commitment to the speaker in favor of focus and self-interest." This is an area of my leadership life that I need to work on. Fortunately, I have some friends that are awesome listeners. Reading this book made me think of them and how they make me feel when I’m talking to them. I want to be that kind of listening leader for my teachers. Showing yourself to be a listening ready leader will afford you a sounder basis for developing trustful relationships with your customers, subordinates, and coworkers. My favorite part of the book was the checklist for facilitating learning. This concise list of twelve steps was written to help you get others to listen when you talk. This is exactly what I need for my position! The step that struck me was step seven, which states that speakers must “create realistic moments for rehearsal and practice." This is one area that I lack professionally. Creating great slides and researching content come easy, but practicing delivery would be great for improving my confidence and delivery. Because of this book, I will take more time to practice my delivery before facilitating learning so I can help others be better listeners.
Keeping it Techy, Heather
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11/15/2017 06:56:06 am
I think listening should be the leader's most important flair. In fact, an employee of the organization always wants a leader who will not just hear his powers of articulation but also listen to him. As a staff seeks more heed, response, and assistance, a leader must be watchful of individual demands in order to more completely stimulate professional growth and overall performance. In addition to that, by listening carefully a leader can create truthful tie-ups that are that are plain as the nose on someone's face and nurture locality. Thus, apart from speaking, effective listening is also a part of true leadership.
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AuthorInstructional Technology Coordinator by title but really just a teacher looking for a classroom to make a difference! Not only sharing EdTech tools, but sharing my thoughts, feelings and the great things happening in public education. Archives
January 2020
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The opinions expressed in the posts on the Getting Techy with Kilgore Blog are solely those of Heather Kilgore and do not reflect the opinions of her employers. Categories |