One of the things I enjoy the most about my job is the opportunity to read the writings of leadership and organizational development experts. Larry Bossidy and Ram Charan do not mince words when they provide advice in their book Confronting Reality. The authors challenge readers to take an honest look at the business environment in which they operate. Charan and Bossidy write “The tools, practices, and behaviors that will distinguish success from failure can be summed up in one phrase: relentless realism” (p. 12).
This advice is timely. Many industries are dealing with crises. Charan and Bossidy write “Those who anticipate trouble and opportunity, we have observed, are always looking for new information-ideas, viewpoints, theories, scenarios” with the result being that “they see reality more clearly than others” (p.p. 221, 222)
Thus, a continuous search for feedback and relevant information is necessary for a business to survive and thrive. The ability to hear and use feedback and new information is based upon an openness to consider new information without defending old viewpoints and without dismissing difficult information. Just as Professor Robert Bies of Georgetown University says, in a Thought Leaders clip on HR.com, “Listening is the most important skill you can have as a leader.”
Organizations are full of talented, knowledgeable employees and business success depends upon being able to make the best use of the talents those individuals possess. Cathy Earley, a senior consultant with BlessingWhite writes “Get to know the people you lead. They come to work with unique values, aspirations, experiences, and talents. The more you can tap into those qualities, the better.”
First, the listener needs to attend solely to the incoming message. This means that listeners must “turn off” their internal dialogue while they fully consider the message being sent. An internal dialogue consists of words like "yes, but," "I do not agree with what is being said," "I know this is not correct" or any similar statements which interfere with the listeners ability to openly consider what is being said. Basic to listening are paying attention and respecting the need for silence at times, says a BNET editorial. This editorial also comments on the importance of trying to understand the speaker’s perspective. Time to discuss and question ideas improves understanding.
Gathering information from many sources also furthers “realism.” Charan and Bossidy write, “Conventional wisdom is what you get when you rely on past solutions and listen to like-minded people, and it’s one of the greatest challenges to realistic thinking” (p. 223). Thus, it is worthwhile to seek out people with alternative ideas and consider many options.
John McKee—an author who writes about leadership and executive strategy—suggests 10 ways to gather feedback. A culture in which new ideas are listened to will evolve into one in which ideas and thoughts are shared more freely.
References:
Bies, Robert. Leadership for a Difference. Hr.com [crm.hr.com] Obtained June 28, 2009.
BNET Editorial. Utilizing Active Listening. BNET [www.bnet.com]. Obtained June 28, 2009.
Bossidy, Larry and Ram Charan. Confronting Reality. New York: Crown Business, 2004.
Earley, Cathy. Avoid Micromanaging. Leadership Excellence Magazine [http://www.eep2.com/C6le5692157/le0609.pdf]. June 2009.
Kelly, Elisabeth. Innovation Killers. HR Professional Magazine [www.hrthoughtleader.com]. June/July 2009. P. 24-29.
McKee, John. “10 ways to get honest feedback (before it’s too late).” Tech Republic Blogs [http://blogs.techrepublic.com]. April 16, 2009.
