When I was waiting for a flight recently in the Ontario airport, I was seated facing a book store. On the back wall were a variety of catchy sayings. One saying caught my eye.
I believe it was written or spoken by Mark Twain and it said "Is the man who is able to read and doesn't any better off, than the man who cannot read?".
Interesting comment.
It made me think of a different comparison. "Is the person who has two ears and can hear, but doesn't LISTEN, any better leader than who has two ears, but cannot hear?"
A great deal of leading and understanding in business and life occur when active and effective communication is happening. Part of communication is speaking, part is listening and part is questioning to ensure that what you are speaking and hearing is understood by both parties.
Effective listeners are rated as great communicators. Effective listeners interact with the speaker so that they truly are involved with what is being said and ensure they have heard it correctly and understand its meaning.
Next time you meet with your associates, your friends, your family, take an extra moment to let the sound of their voices and words reach your brain before your tongue engages and blocks the input that your ears are receiving.
Be a champion listener on your way to being an effective communicator.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Walking the Talk
For the past two years, our Rotary clubs in Lake Arrowhead have sponsored a program for students. This program is Challenge Day. It is diversity training for the students with the goal of showing them the similarities they have. The adult volunteers learn as much as the students. It is a tremendous program.
One of the things a good leader must possess is integrity and character. You show this in your actions. If you see someone make fun of another then you have to speak up and stand for the right thing.
Some years ago, I was invited to play in a golf tournament. Industry suppliers hosted the event. My wife and I were invited. We met the evening before the tournament for snacks and a get to know you time. There was only one other woman in attendance.
The next day while playing golf, I was told that I could attend the awards dinner after the tournament, but that my wife could not. Several of the men complained that this was to be a "men's" only weekend.
Needless to say, I bowed out of dinner and wrote a letter to leadership of the tournament. I made a statement that I would not attend or support an event that discriminated against anyone. I also let my vendors know that I expected them to be inclusive in their business practices.
The leadership of the tournament said that I was the first to complain. I later discovered that other attendees and vendors were in agreement with me.
The tournament was no longer held, supposedly for lack of attendance.
As a leader and as an individual, you have opportunities to make a difference. You have the opportunity to show what you stand for and stop discrimination. Speak up. You will be surprised by the support that you will receive for making a statement.
Make a difference, today and every day.
Thank you for doing the right thing.
Rudy
rudy@powerinlearning.com
One of the things a good leader must possess is integrity and character. You show this in your actions. If you see someone make fun of another then you have to speak up and stand for the right thing.
Some years ago, I was invited to play in a golf tournament. Industry suppliers hosted the event. My wife and I were invited. We met the evening before the tournament for snacks and a get to know you time. There was only one other woman in attendance.
The next day while playing golf, I was told that I could attend the awards dinner after the tournament, but that my wife could not. Several of the men complained that this was to be a "men's" only weekend.
Needless to say, I bowed out of dinner and wrote a letter to leadership of the tournament. I made a statement that I would not attend or support an event that discriminated against anyone. I also let my vendors know that I expected them to be inclusive in their business practices.
The leadership of the tournament said that I was the first to complain. I later discovered that other attendees and vendors were in agreement with me.
The tournament was no longer held, supposedly for lack of attendance.
As a leader and as an individual, you have opportunities to make a difference. You have the opportunity to show what you stand for and stop discrimination. Speak up. You will be surprised by the support that you will receive for making a statement.
Make a difference, today and every day.
Thank you for doing the right thing.
Rudy
rudy@powerinlearning.com
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