Steve (fictional name, true story) had fucked up in a big way. He knew it, and as the leader of the organization he worked for, I knew it too. What I did not know, however, was why this had happened. The mistake was big enough that he could have, and possibly should have been, terminated with cause. Fortunately, I had the awareness to suspend judgment of the event and listen to the whole story.
The short and anonymized version is that Steve had a mental breakdown and ended up on suicide watch at the hospital. It was this temporary breakdown that had caused the mistake, which I also knew was very out of character for this team member.
By practicing non-judgemental listening, I was able to get the full story. Who knows what might have happened if we had terminated Steve because of this error? Instead, we helped get Steve the supports he needed, and he went on to be a valued team member for many years to come.
As human beings, we tend to place judgment on what we see, hear, experience and even what we feel. Our minds, ego and the need to be part of a community (tribal tendencies) can make us judge quickly. Developing self-awareness and empathy and practicing non-judgmental listening effectively counteract the natural tendency to judge. By consciously challenging our biases and being open to diverse perspectives, we can foster a more inclusive and understanding society.
As a lifelong student of effective leadership strategies, here are some valuable insights on a crucial aspect of communication that can transform your workplace dynamics: non-judgmental listening. In today’s fast-paced world, where diverse perspectives thrive, fostering an inclusive environment and understanding the concerns of your team members becomes paramount.
- Embrace Empathy: Empathy is the cornerstone of non-judgmental listening. Cultivate a genuine desire to understand and connect with your team members. When engaging in conversations, please focus on the speaker’s emotions, body language, and tone to gain deeper insights into their perspectives and concerns. Empathy allows you to transcend preconceived notions and truly grasp the experiences of others.
- Drop Assumptions and Biases: To practice non-judgmental listening effectively, you must consciously let go of assumptions and biases. Approach each conversation with an open mind, free from preconceived notions about gender, age, or background. Recognize that everyone brings unique experiences, and their insights and contributions are equally valuable.
- Create a Safe Space: A safe and inclusive environment is vital for non-judgmental listening. Encourage open dialogue, where team members feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and concerns without fear of judgment. Foster an atmosphere of trust and respect where diverse viewpoints are valued and appreciated. By doing so, you empower your team to share their authentic selves.
- Listen Actively: Non-judgmental listening goes beyond merely hearing words; it requires active engagement. Practice active listening by giving your undivided attention, maintaining eye contact, and providing verbal and non-verbal cues to signal your attentiveness. Ask open-ended questions to encourage deeper reflection and understanding. Remember, practice the pause; silence can be powerful, allowing the speaker to express their thoughts fully.
- Suspend Evaluation and Respond Thoughtfully: As a leader, it is natural to analyze and evaluate situations quickly. However, during non-judgmental listening, focus on understanding rather than evaluating. Suspend judgment and avoid interrupting or imposing your own opinions. Respond thoughtfully, acknowledging the speaker’s thoughts before offering your perspective.
- Seek Feedback and Learn: Continual growth is a hallmark of exceptional leadership. Actively seek feedback from your team members on your listening skills. Encourage honest conversations about improving and creating a more inclusive environment. You set a powerful example for others by demonstrating your commitment to personal development.
While non-judgmental listening is not gender specific, in my experience, it can be more challenging for men whose natural tendency is to want to fix things.
Creating a list of how to practice non-judgemental listening is relatively easy. What is hard is actually putting it into practice. If you have taken any leadership training, you likely know most of these points. My challenge for you this week is to focus on employing all of the techniques above in all of your conversations. The first step to change is awareness. At the end of your day, reflect on your interactions and rate yourself on these six items. You can use this worksheet to track your progress.
I’d love to hear how these work for you.
