The airline industry shares a safety culture. A high percentage of accidents comes on a crew's first day together. In some cultures, junior officers historically deferred to senior pilots. Junior officers culturally hesitant to correct seniors can result in tragedy.
“We have two ears and one mouth for a reason.” Nelson Mandela went with his father to meetings and noted his father always spoke last. He absorbed others’ viewpoints and addressed them in a more nuanced way.
Have a professional attitude about listening. Stephen Covey reminds us, “Listen to understand not just to respond."
“We learn only when listening not speaking.” Listening allows us to escape our personal echo chamber. When an assistant (or spouse) makes a suggestion, often the best answer is, "let me have time to think about it and get back to you."
“Paying attention is the first price paid for success.” Mindfulness is proven to improve attention even in students as young as first grade.
Richard Branson believes listening to be part of his success. He advises asking the questioner her opinion after your answer both to show interest and get their opinion. Branson also says to take written notes as point of emphasis after a meeting or key conversation.
Listening is important throughout our lives. Impaired hearing contributes to memory loss. And hearing aids reduced the rate of memory loss.
Coaches discuss a player's coachability. That presumes listening skills and ability to transform them into performance.
Key points:
- Take a professional attitude to listening.
- Paying attention is the first price paid for success.
- Make better attention and listening a priority.
- Mindfulness is one easy way to improve attention.
- When fielding questions, ask the listener's opinion.
- Make note-taking a priority in our listening experience.
- Give and get feedback to assure players get the message.
Lagniappe (something extra). The Seven Habits
Lagniappe 2. Slipping screens often creates major separation.
Lagniappe 3. Rejecting ball screens is another screen gem. Coach Hanlen provides a workout for elite players.