The Art of Listening

The Art of Listening
“Understand in order to be understood” is a piece of advice that I have often heard. In order to be a successful leader, you need to care about the individuals who are under your direction. So, how do you accomplish that? You listen to them.
Listening is an art that many need to be educated on. So often, we focus on dumping out our own problems rather than listening to others concerns. Employees and executives alike want to be heard rather than having to fight for the microphone. However, when an individual learns to listen, increased respect and trust towards that individual are most often the results.
From experience, I understand that listening can, at times, be challenging. When frustrations are surfaced that you want to have no part in and passions that do not interest you are expressed, it may be easy to ignore the speaker or quickly change the topic. However, when you do listen sincerely, the individual who is speaking will at times feel that you value what they are saying.
A true leader will care about those whom they lead. They will have learned the art of listening. So when someone passes by your way today, try learning to listen, and they may learn to follow you.
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Alan Olsen, is the Host of the American Dreams Show and the Managing Partner of GROCO.com. GROCO is a premier family office and tax advisory firm located in the San Francisco Bay area serving clients all over the world.
Alan L. Olsen, CPA, Wikipedia Bio
GROCO.com is a proud sponsor of The American Dreams Show.
The American Dreams show was the brainchild of Alan Olsen, CPA, MBA. It was originally created to fill a specific need; often inexperienced entrepreneurs lacked basic information about raising capital and how to successfully start a business. Alan sincerely wanted to respond to the many requests from aspiring entrepreneurs asking for the information and introductions they needed. But he had to find a way to help in which his venture capital clients and friends would not mind.
The American Dreams show became the solution, first as a radio show and now with YouTube videos as well. Always respectful of interview guest’s time, he’s able to give access to individuals information and inspiration previously inaccessible to the first-time entrepreneurs who need it most. They can listen to venture capitalists and successful business people explain first-hand, how they got to where they are, how to start a company, how to overcome challenges, how they see the future evolving, opportunities, work-life balance and so much more..
American Dreams discusses many topics from some of the world’s most successful individuals about their secrets to life’s success. Topics from guest have included:
Creating purpose in life / Building a foundation for their life / Solving problems / Finding fulfillment through philanthropy and service / Becoming self-reliant / Enhancing effective leadership / Balancing family and work…
MyPaths.com (Also sponsored by GROCO) provides free access to content and world-class entrepreneurs, influencers and thought leaders’ personal success stories. To help you find your path in life to true, sustainable success & happiness. It’s mission statement:
In an increasingly complex and difficult world, we hope to help you find your personal path in life and build a strong foundation by learning how others found success and happiness. True and sustainable success and happiness are different for each one of us but possible, often despite significant challenges. Our mission at MyPaths.com is to provide resources and firsthand accounts of how others found their paths in life, so you can do the same.
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