I recently had the privilege to listen to Jan Molino, the managing director of Diversified Search Odgers Berndtson, speak at a CryerHealth and Levik Strategic Communications HBA, breakfast, where she spoke to listening, as the most critical aspect of communication. Similarly, I have observed, that the most effective social media tribe builders and influencers are those individuals who listen as a means and purpose to engage. Meaning that, their online contribution is not just a path to a business deal or broadcasting, but to support and invest in thought leadership and communities.
According to Madelyn Burley-Allen, in her book, Listening: The Forgotten Skill: A Self-Teaching Guide, listening involves a more sophisticated mental process than hearing and has a responsibility to the communication process. Her definition of “listening is (a) taking in information from speakers, other people or ourselves, while remaining nonjudgmental and empathetic; (b) acknowledging the talker in a way that invites the communication to continue; and (c) providing limited, but encouraging, input to the talker’s response, carrying the person’s idea one step forward.”
After I read this definition, I immediately thought of Drew Marshall, the founder and Principal of Primed Associates, and the bar that he sets for genuinely listening and then driving an idea or conversation to the next potential. In 140 characters or less, he captures meaning by not letting the words or information drift off. I believe that the transformative capability of social media will be from the consistent involvement and support of savvy listeners and generous communicators, like Drew. Interacting with appropriate Twitter chats will provide an environment for creative and strategic thinking from multiple viewpoints, perspectives and backgrounds; resources not readily available to tap, otherwise. The more you interact online, you’ll be able to identify those who just hear information and post rapid fire tweets, rather than extend what is important to the group. Another strong resemblance to real life communication, is mindfulness of online body language and focused listening will provide you with a solid return for your time.
One last thought: listening can provide you with that one thought, insight, or vision of where you want and need to be. Circling back to Jan Molino, she emphasized that if you listen carefully, you’ll find that people often share information and nuggets that will help you to the next level. Who doesn’t need that, right?
It is the province of knowledge to speak. And it is the privilege of wisdom to
listen. Oliver Wendell Holmes
I’ll be interviewing communication expert, Jill Royston on BlogTalkRadio ~ coming soon!
