We hear it all the time. “You’re not listening to me.” “They totally missed my point.” “He/she talked over me.” Our desire to be heard and understood is a basic universal need. When we feel listened to, we feel connected, and closer to the person and it contributes to our well-being. When we don’t feel listened to, we get frustrated, and angry and dig our heels into our point of view. Not feeling listened to begets not listening.

Social media, email, texting and Slack make teams more efficient for sure but the downside is we have fewer conversations. I’m a huge fan of Slack but it’s not a one-hit wonder. There is much room for misinterpretation, and nuances are missed which can lead to confusion and not being on the same page.

Add the fact that the attention span of humans is less than a guppy, the art of listening has gone by the wayside. But here’s the thing: we think we need to listen so the other person feels acknowledged. The truth is, that listening is good for the listener. It increases empathy and keeps us cognitively engaged and focused. It’s even proven that the less you talk, the more you enjoy the conversation!

I help my coaching clients with all kinds of communication. Prepping for board meetings, interviews, team kick-off meetings, how to ask for the promotion, how to let someone go. What to say and how to say it, with clarity, connection and conviction. Listening is as important or more important than perfecting your message and what you want to say.

Why Listening Matters

1. According to a McKinsey study, teams that prioritize communication and actively listen are 50% more likely to have high productivity levels. As leaders, our ability to listen directly impacts the bottom line.
2. The International Journal of Listening highlights that effective listening reduces the potential of conflicts escalating. Teams where leaders actively listen experience 40% fewer conflicts.

Here are 6 Tips to Sharpen Your Listening Skills:

1. Be present which means remove all distractions. Turn off your devices. Being fully present shows respect and creates a deeper connection.
2. Get out of your head. Most people are thinking about what they want to say next vs. truly listening. Put yourself aside and focus on the other person.
3. Ask open-ended questions. The name of the game is “Be Curious”! Asking open-ended questions gives people permission to tell you what they really think.
4. Keep it simple and brief. Don’t get into the weeds or go off on a tangent. Clear and concise communication fosters better understanding and connection.
5. Do your best not to interrupt.I know how it feels when you get excited and dying to make your point! Take a few breaths or count to three before responding.
6. Remove judgment and bias. Be open to a different point of view, you’ll learn something! Judgment and criticism are linked and no one wants that 🙂

Will the noise and constant change around us, being a leader who is grounded and intently listens will set you apart. Listening is not just hearing what another person says. Listening is the ability to understand what others are saying and having them trust you. Cultivating your listening skills will create a more engaged team and. provide you with more fulfillment in your leadership journey.

To be a good leader, you have to be a great listener.

-Richard Branson

In the ever-evolving job market, managers and leaders of all types find themselves in the challenging position of seeking new opportunities or wanting to make a change.

In fact, 75% of all Americans will be seeking a new job this year. Crazy, right?

No one on the planet likes looking for a new job. Navigating a career transition can feel daunting. Yet with the right guidance and support, you can significantly improve the outcome of your job search. 

The right career transition coach can help you thrive while looking for your dream job. They will provide you with tools, strategies, and insights throughout the process and also help you flourish in your new role. 

8 ways a career transition coach can help you up your job search game:

1. Discover your Strengths, Values, Passions and Purpose

A coach can help you identify your strengths, skills, values, and passions. Through self-assessment exercises and discussions, together, you will uncover what will make you happy professionally.

2. Clarifying Goals

Once you’ve discovered what truly matters to you, your coach will help you set clear and achievable goals. They’ll assist you in defining short-term and long-term objectives and plotting your course that you can follow during your job search.

3. Creating a Magnetic Resume

Your resume is often the first impression on potential employers. A coach can help you craft a compelling resume that highlights your relevant skills and accomplishments, making you stand out from others.

4. Optimizing Your LinkedIn Profile

Your LinkedIn profile is key for your visibility and connections.. A coach can provide expert guidance on how to create an attention-grabbing LinkedIn profile that attracts recruiters and hiring managers.

5. Personal Branding 

A career transition coach can help you build a personal brand that communicates your unique value proposition. They’ll show you how to articulate your strengths and what sets you apart from the competition.

6. Interview Preparation + Role Play

A coach can help you refine your interview skills, provide mock interview sessions, and offer constructive feedback to boost your confidence and performance during interviews.

7. Networking Strategies 

We all know the power of networking. A coach can teach you effective networking strategies and leverage your existing connections to uncover hidden job opportunities.

8. Motivation and Emotional Support 

The primary function of a coach is to help you stay focused, maintain a positive mindset, and overcome the ups and downs that can come up throughout your job search journey.

So why invest in a career transition coach? It’s an investment in your future. Working with a career transition coach will result in saving you time and frustration and ultimately help you land a more fulfilling and higher-paying position.

If you’re a manager or executive considering a career change or simply want to enhance your job search strategy, consider partnering with me for your job search. I’ll empower you to make aligned decisions, maximize your potential, and uplevel your professional life. 

To determine if working with me is a smart move, book a complimentary clarity call with me here.

Here’s a link to download my program brochure.