Years ago, I was blessed to be in a position to hold seminars with groups of educators designed to discuss and build leadership skills both informally and formally, internally – for the individual and externally for the school. As we discussed leadership skills and qualities, we would talk about new tools being put in our toolboxes as leaders. This year in Teach & Serve, I have decided to talk about many of those tools.
LISTENING
I had a leader once tell me “be sure you appear to be listening when anyone comes to your office.”
Nope. Good leaders actually and actively listen when people come to their office, when people stop them in the hall, when people speak to them in the parking lot.
Listening is, as we all know, a very active pursuit. Listening and connecting with those who approach us are important tools in our work. Too many times, I have had people speak to me, but I have not actually listened to them. In those instances, I miss opportunities to help and opportunities to improve. I miss opportunities to lead.
Leaders must hear. They must listen. This is actually not a tool to take out of the box every once-in-awhile, this is one that needs always be in hand.