Be Patient & Listen to What Others Have to Say

The ability to listen to another's point of view is an essential skill to have in order to be an effective communicator. Those who are able to listen and understand the perspective of another, are not only able to gain a different way of looking at things but also are able to grow as individuals. The greatest leaders are proactive, methodical and comprehensive listeners. They are not always eager to speak but to rather understand the other person and address their concerns, which allows for better debates and conversations between two individuals who highly disagree with one another. To truly listen to another person rather than simply talking to them allows for a much deeper bond to form, showing that you are more involved in the conversation and care about what the other person has to say. Great leaders use this technique in order to build strong relationships with those around them, which makes the people around them feel valued and also breeds a sense of loyalty towards them. (Forbes.com)

Virgin.com

An individual who exemplifies being a leader who is more than willing to listen to others is Sir Richard Branson. Branson is the ideal example because not only is he willing to listen to his contemporaries, his business philosophy is based upon working with others in order to achieve the highest quality of work possible, which by definition is the purpose of business. (Virgin.com)

Quotesforthemind.com

Here are his five principles and how they further prove Branson truly believes in collaboration:

i) "If you don't enjoy it, don't do it. You must love what you do" (Richard Branson) - This principle illustrates Branson's understanding of others and his realization in the fact that if you do not truly feel passionate about what you do, then you will not be motivated to produce your highest potential. (Entrepreneur.com)

ii) "Be innovative: Create Something different that will stand out" (Richard Branson) - This principle shows that he believes that innovation is a key factor in order to distinguish yourself and innovation is best achieved when people work together to create the best product possible. (Entrepreneur.com)

iii) "Your employees are your best asset. Happy employees make for happy customers" (Richard Branson) - This principle shows that he acknowledges that the employees who are work for him really are people, and that he does not consider them to be some replaceable asset but rather thinks of them as individuals of meaningful value. (Entrepreneur.com)

iv) " Lead by listening: Get feedback from your staff and customers on a regular basis" (Richard Branson) - This principle exemplifies his willingness to hear the opinions of others and to receive both praise and complaints. In doing so he is able to maintain the positive aspects of his business and work on the negative aspects. (Entrepreneur.com)

v) "Be visible: Market the company and its offers by putting yourself or a senior person in front of the cameras" (Richard Branson) - This principle shows how he is able to think of himself as human being like anyone else, and not above others in any way. For he believes in order for a company to be successful you must be able to put yourselves into the role the customers you are marketing towards, and if you are able to convince yourself that your product is a need rather than a want you have succeeded. (Entrepreneur.com)

If you wish to learn more on how listening is an essential key in becoming a great leader, then check this out

Listening & Leadership

Parting Question: 

How important do you think it is to listen to others in order to better communicate with them?