Strong Leaders Listen: Why Taking Advice is a Strategic Advantage

There’s a natural human belief that because someone is leading, they know what they are doing and how to do it. However, this is something that is simply incorrect. Oftentimes leaders are just as unsure about the direction to take as the team! However, the difference between a good leader and a ‘not so good’ leader is one that can stop and admit when they have no idea what to do. 

The Legend of “The All Knowing Leader”

Here’s the reality, no one really knows what they are doing. Even leaders need to rely on Google and others' advice. The real strength in leadership comes from being teachable, not from simply being “confident” or “charismatic”. 

Good leaders ask questions, do research, and receive advice before making decisions – often teaching themselves on the topic extensively in order to make the best decision possible for the team. However, it is so easy to be swept up in this idea that the leadership is “above” everyone else and knows all. In reality, they are just as human and may not understand either. 

At GoldBear Media, we have watched many fall into the “The All Knowing Leader” trap. They sacrifice learning and understanding for power and respect. However, this method simply does not work long term. The team can see the cracks in the leadership, and it creates less confidence in them. Eventually, this will erode the team and cause it to fall apart.

Listening Doesn’t Diminish Authority, It Strengthens It

We’ve all had this experience: You present an issue to your boss, explain all the details of the problem and provide a solution that you think might work, just to be met with, “No. We’re not doing that,” with no explanation. It’s a frustrating experience with what feels like no resolve creating long term resentment. 

In this scenario, everyone loses. The employee will likely feel disempowered and will be less likely to bring new ideas to the table, ultimately taking away what could be growth to the team and business. The leader on the other hand may feel as though their authority is being put into question, however this simply isn’t true. By approaching the leader for help, advice, and assistance this shows a high respect for them. People don’t ask for help or advice from someone they don’t trust or have respect for. Because of this, dismissing the person without trying to listen and understand will net a loss in respect for leadership.

It’s important to remember that listening and understanding is a massive part of leadership and that failing to can cause people to dismiss the leaders abilities. In this scenario, the employee likely feels as though their communication and problem solving skills are not welcome. This will eventually lead to low performance, and poor attitude because there is a lack of understanding for the team.

Who You Listen to Matters

Listening is important, but who you listen to is just as. Listening to every voice is overwhelming and a recipe for disaster. Everyone has a different perspective and opinion, and theirs may not align with the company vision or direction. On top of which, not everyone is qualified to be giving the advice they are giving. Discernment is key when figuring out who to listen to and what advice to take.

Figuring out who you are helping and what you are trying to do should be step number one. Deciding that will help create understanding for who you should be listening to. Keep in mind, listening to the wrong people can create tension in the team and angle the business downward instead of fueling it for growth. 

Creating an Environment to be Heard

So, what helps the team be productive and work efficiently? The leader seeking to listen and understand what their team needs, and then providing them with the necessary tools to complete their job.

There are two pieces to this, and neither one can be neglected. 

The first one is looking to understand and listening to what is being said. Asking questions can be one of the easiest ways to help someone feel as though they are being heard. On top of that, it can also provide more context to the problem that may not have been discussed prior to the question being asked. Having a thorough understanding of the problem is key to finding a solution. 

The second step involves action. It requires putting in the effort to solve the problem. Without action, the advice or plea for help feels as though it falls on deaf ears. It is important to ensure that the team also finds resolve in the solution so they can feel as though they are part of what makes the team work. 

Neglecting either one of these pieces can cause resentment and frustration as the team can feel unheard from the lack of understanding, or frustrated from the absence of action from the person who is supposed to support them.

Listening Defines a Leader

The ability to lead is measured between many strengths and weaknesses, but one of the most important strengths to have as a leader is the skill to listen. People who are “in charge” are just as clueless as the lower level staff on most occasions.  Without a leader who listens, the team will feel lost, frustrated, and filled with resentment. Being able to understand and accept this as someone who leads is key in ensuring that the team runs as smoothly and efficiently as possible.