'We will listen less before we begin to listen more,' business psychologist Susan Kahn says
Feb 12, 2025
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Susan Kahn, a business psychologist and author of 'Bounce Back,' discusses the transformative power of listening in the workplace. She highlights the importance of embracing failures and fostering open communication to build resilience. Kahn delves into the changing landscape of leadership, where vulnerability and honesty are becoming essential traits. She also emphasizes the value of silence in conversations, illustrating how pauses can lead to deeper understanding and connection. Tune in for insights on navigating a polarized world and redefining workplace dynamics!
Active listening is essential for enhancing workplace relationships and fostering creativity by encouraging open dialogue and understanding diverse perspectives.
Modern leadership requires vulnerability, promoting transparency about failures and uncertainties to cultivate resilience and support among team members.
Deep dives
Navigating the Evolving Workplace Culture
The modern workplace is experiencing shifts in expectations, particularly in how individuals connect with their jobs and colleagues. The traditional notion of work as merely a means to earn a living has evolved into a desire for purpose-driven and values-aligned contributions. This change has been compounded by recent global events, such as COVID-19, which forced many to reevaluate their work-life balance and the importance of emotional well-being at work. While this evolution brings about helpful discussions around mental health and inclusivity, it also creates confusion about the boundaries of personal expression and professionalism in the workplace.
The Importance of Listening in Communication
Effective listening is presented as a crucial skill for improving workplace dynamics and relationships. The discussion highlights how individuals often avoid engaging with differing opinions, leading to a culture that stifles creativity and innovation. By promoting the ability to listen actively and tolerate silence, individuals can create more fruitful dialogues and better understand diverse perspectives. Ultimately, learning to listen is emphasized as a profound communication skill that nurtures connection and collaboration among team members.
Addressing Fear and Vulnerability in Leadership
Many leaders grapple with feelings of inadequacy and imposter syndrome, which can hinder their decision-making and authenticity. This vulnerability is portrayed as an opportunity for growth, as it pushes leaders to seek feedback and acknowledge that failure is part of the process. In contrast to a more traditional, authoritative leadership approach, the current environment calls for leaders to express doubt and encourage open discussions about failures and uncertainties. This shift towards a more transparent and empathetic leadership style can help cultivate resilience and foster a supportive atmosphere for team members.
Susan Kahn is a business psychologist, a practitioner, and an academic, author of Bounce Back: How to Fail Fast and Be Resilient at Work. She joins My Wildest Prediction to share her boldest views on the future of work. Her conversation with Tom Goodwin revolves around the importance of actively listening in workplaces, being open about professional failures, and being a good leader.