The Ability To Discover Gifts Within Challenges

Challenges abounds. Struggles continue. Worry and anxiety are at an all time high. And many leaders are perplexed about how to proceed in the midst of it all. But occasionally, I meet a great leader, who in spite of it all, does not become unglued by the current reality. Instead, they have the ability to discover the gifts within their current challenges.

So, how do they do this?

While there are numerous books about this subject, I think the key is something that most people overlook because they think it is a simplistic answer. However, just because something is simple does not mean it is easy.

The best leaders I’ve met are good listeners. These individuals recognize that good listening begins with a commitment to understand rather than to respond or defend. They begin this process by listening with respect.

Now, on one hand, listening with respect again seems simplistic, but the precursor to respectful listening begins by creating safe physical spaces for dialogue. Rather than the leader sitting behind a massive desk and the employee sitting in a singular chair, I have seen so many leaders move out of their office and into a nearby conference room where all involved are then on the same level.

Next, when they listen with respect, they listen thoughtfully, especially to those who challenge their thinking. These leaders check to make sure that they understand what is being said. They try very hard to comprehend how people came to their conclusions.

Finally, those who discover the gifts within their challenges through active listening do one more thing. They listen carefully to themselves, too. They check the story they are telling themselves about what is going on. They also notice their behavior and their feelings in the midst of the conversation. They understand that it is too easy to invent a story about what is happening rather than comprehend the hard facts that are being explored.

In the world of leadership, there will always be challenges. It is par for the course. And many of them will be adaptive in nature. Still, as Ronald A. Heifetz and Donald L. Laurie note, “Solutions to adaptive challenges reside not in the executive suite but in the collective intelligence of employees at all levels.” The only way to activate that collective intelligence is through active and respectful listening.

Geery Howe, M.A. Consultant, Executive Coach, Trainer in Leadership, Strategic Planning and Organizational Change Morning Star Associates 319 - 643 - 2257