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Why true leadership involves less talking and more listening

Have you heard of the book "The One-Minute Manager"? I know a guy I call the 18-Minute Manager, or Jake, for our purposes. Jake was having a hard time getting through to his employee, Sophie, about significant problems in her performance. I agreed to sit in the next meeting he had with her.

Less talking, more listening. Jake started the meeting and talked for 18 minutes. He did not pause. He did not ask Sophie one question. Soon he dismissed Sophie from the room. As she left, I asked her what she heard Jake say. She said, "I don’t know what he’s talking about." I seriously doubt that, but I don’t blame her for saying it.

As human beings we can be uncomfortable with conflict or confrontation. Despite the temptation to avoid a conversation that raises defenses, leaders guide employees through it. It is both unkind and irresponsible not to.

Full Story: http://smartblogs.com/leadership/2011/10/04/why-true-leadership-involves-less-talking-and-more-listening/

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