Being a GREAT Listener
Listening is a mostly lost art form that is many times unused, unnoticed and way undervalued.
So many people think listening = waiting to talk. However, it is more a skill that, when used properly, can have a dramatic impact on our personal and professional lives. In this blog, we will explore the concept of being a Listener, and the power it provides us to help those around us grow. Whether you are loan officer, a manager, a coach, or simply someone who just wants to be a better communicator, embracing the role of a listener can help you on the path to unlock your potential and enhance the relationships you have with others.
Being a good listener can provide intrinsic benefits as well. Good listeners are better communicators, able to share their thoughts and ideas clearly; Good listeners develop stronger relationships, they easily develop trust and rapport. Good listeners are more productive, able focus on tasks, and make better decisions; Good listeners enjoy better emotional health, being able to identify and express their thoughts and emotions,
The Role of a Listener: Being a listener means going beyond passive listening and becoming an active participant in the conversation. It involves creating both a safe and supportive environment for others to share their thoughts and feelings, while guiding them towards discovering their own solutions. As a listener, you have the skills to help your friends, co-workers, and clients with growth, building trust, and empower them to reach their full potential, all on their own.
Developing Active Listening Skills: To be an effective listener, you must first develop strong active listening skills. This involves fully focusing on the speaker. Never multi-task. Even on Zoom calls - maintain eye contact, show some genuine interest in what they have to say. Put yourself in their shoes, never judge, and work on validating their emotions, but not let those emotions control their actions or mindset. By doing this, you are giving them confidence in open and honest communication.
Asking Powerful Questions: One of the key aspects of being a listener is asking thought provoking questions that allow for deep thinking and self-reflection. Instead of providing solutions or advice (Read – Advice Monster), let the conversation naturally occur by asking open-ended questions that encourage the speaker to explore their thoughts and come to their own answers. By doing this, you will help them grow thru self-discovery and empower them to take ownership of their challenges now, and in the future.
Providing Constructive Feedback: As a listener, it is imperative to provide constructive feedback that helps the speaker grow and develop. Focus on highlighting strengths and areas for improvement in a supportive and non-judgmental manner. Use your active listening skills to identify underlying issues or patterns and offer insights and suggestions that can guide them down the path of their personal or professional growth.
Creating a Safe and Supportive Environment: A listener will always strive to create a safe and supportive environment for open and honest conversations. They encourage a culture of trust, where individuals feel comfortable sharing their thoughts, ideas, and concerns. Respect confidentiality and show empathy towards their experiences. By fostering such an environment, you can facilitate deep connections and meaningful conversations, which in turn will lead to long term growth.
Building Long-Term Relationships: Being a listener is not just about a single call or meeting; it's about building long-term relationships based on building trust and mutual respect. A Listener will invest in relationships by maintaining regular communication, checking in on progress, and offering support or guidance when needed. Only an ongoing commitment to these will strengthen your connection and allow you to become known as a reliable listener.
Being a GREAT Listener can be a powerful and transformative role. Only by actively working on listening skills, thinking about powerful questions, providing creative, constructive feedback, and providing a caring, safe and supportive environment, you will unlock the potential of those you have the privilege speak with. Embrace the art of listening, and watch the people around you learn and grow, your communication skills develop, and your impact grows. Remember, being a Listener is not just about attending a zoom call or hearing their words; it's about truly understanding others, and enabling them to become the best versions of themselves.
Written by Brian Cantrall
Brian Cantrall has been in the mortgage business since 1995. In that time, he has been: a Coach, a Regional Manager, an Area Manager, a Branch Manager, a Sales Manager, and a Top Producer for 15 of those years. As a producer, Brian has originated over $500,000,000 in loans. Since joining Fairway in 2019, Brian has focused on being a Coach with Fairway Ignite. In that time, he has been recognized twice as being one of the best in the group, most recently as MVP of 2022. He continues to find ways to enhance his skills and knowledge regarding Coaching. Brian is married to an amazing wife, a great daughter, and lives in Arizona. Brian was born and raised in Lakewood, Colorado, and is an avid Colorado Avalanche and Denver Broncos fan.
