L is for Listening

The best resource for developing your listening skills (therefore enhancing your charisma, relationships & leadership style)

Listening is the most underrated skill.

It's the cornerstone of charisma, leadership, and all good relationships but little time is spent on developing it. People who do so gain a clear advantage over their peers.

In 30 years of teaching communication skills, there is only one resource I recommend about listening. It's a single chapter - just 25 pages - within The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey.

Turn immediately to Habit 5: Principles of Empathic to learn how to:

·       listen without not make assumptions

·       how to keep someone talking

·       resist being judgemental

·       avoid imposing your agenda into the conversation

·       build trust with the speaker

In just a few pages (pages 236-260 in my copy) you will learn the fundamental principles to become a skilled listener which will set you ahead of the game.

If you're intrigued to know more, start with this video summary.