Great leaders listen. Exceptional leaders already know what will be said.
Listening is an important executive practice because employees expect it. The challenge is to provide the experience of listening without exposing the organization to an uncontrolled conclusion.
The Executive Listening Pose
The proper listening posture communicates seriousness while preserving strategic flexibility.
Lean slightly forward. Narrow the eyes. Hold a pen. Do not write anything that could later be requested.
Occasionally say:
- “That is useful context.”
- “I appreciate the candor.”
- “We should keep that in mind.”
- “Let us take that offline.”
These statements acknowledge that communication occurred without suggesting that it will affect the decision.
Bounded Listening
Listening becomes safer when the boundaries are clear.
Employees may discuss implementation, sequencing, phrasing, and how quickly they will support the direction. They should avoid returning to whether the direction itself is advisable.
This protects the meeting from becoming circular.
The Parking Lot
Issues that cannot be resolved without reconsidering leadership’s position should be placed in a visible parking lot.
The parking lot demonstrates that concerns have not been ignored. They have been moved to a location where they cannot interfere with the current meeting.
What I Am Hearing
The leader should conclude by saying, “What I am hearing is…”
This allows leadership to replace the many statements offered by participants with one clear organizational interpretation.
The employees may remember disagreement. The summary will remember alignment.
Exceptional listening does not require uncertainty. It requires preparation.
Roland K. Voss is a fictional satirical author persona. This Field Note is business humor, not management advice.