Communication Skills: Use the Beginner’s Mind
Monday, August 2nd, 2010
I recently wrote about how good listening skills are a key ingredient of effective management and leadership, and team members that feel they have been listened to and have been able to contribute to a solution have a stronger level of commitment. A leader who listens well will have much better information with which to make more effective decisions.
I also noted that often leaders have exceptionally good communication skills and yet fail to use them effectively. To develop your communication skills further, try using the “beginners mind”. I first learnt this concept in martial arts. Basically it states that in the mind of a beginner there are many possibilities while in the mind of an expert there are few. Thus listening with the beginners mind involves being curious and interested and having a mind open for learning and growth.
You may be surprised how much knowledge, experience and wisdom exists in your team waiting for you to unlock it.
Find out how executive coaching may enable you to improve your business communication skills, or return to the Stepshift Leadership Blog for more leadership advice.
Related Articles:
Listening Skills: Choosing Curiosity Over Being Right