[ListeningLeaders]

April 9, 2008 LISTENING LEADERS FIND, FIXATE & FOCUS Listening Leaders® find, fixate and focus on ways to defeat the multitude of costly listening thieves in today’s arenas filled with unending noise and distractions. Unimportant distractions and irritating interruptions challenge listeners at every turn, as unintended and unscheduled distractions constantly work against the unwary and unskilled listener. As every skilled listener knows, distractions steal the consciousness of the unprepared listener in very costly ways. Messages are missed and/or distorted, time is wasted, errors are made, performance, productivity, and profitability is adversely impacted, health is impaired, and lives are lost. A key remedy to every listening distraction lies in the individual development of focus and concentration. The task is great but the payoff is greater. For the ability to eliminate and dispatch predictable distractions, while focusing attention on key components of every message, requires concentration beyond the source of every distraction. Such focus begins with focused preparation by identifying the task at hand, the primary source and purpose of every communication, and every probable and predictable distraction. In every walk of life, the key to ultimate success lies in the ability to sustain listening attention and to focus on important specific messages. For as Charles Dickens observed, “I never could have done what I have done without the habits of punctuality, order, and diligence, without the determination to concentrate myself on one subject at a time..." Or, as Peter Drucker reminds us, “Concentration is the key to economic results. No other principle of effectiveness is violated as constantly today as the basic principle of concentration.” The process of enhancing focus and concentration for all Listening Leaders® requires three practical tasks. In preparation, the first and unending listening task requires Identification of every potential debilitating element that might impede the task of concentration and focus. “Identifying Potential and Predictable Distractions” becomes the starting point for eliminating or overriding such distractions. The challenge is great, but as Andrew Carnegie noted: "Concentration is my motto -- first honesty, then industry, then concentration." Second, listening beyond the plethora of internal and external distractions calls for a heightened “Commitment to Concentrate.” For as Richard Moss so simply recommends, “The greatest gift you can give another is the purity of your attention.” As listening concentration is increased, and speakers discover a new and unique experience, speakers everywhere will generally experience a new and stimulating experience. When gifted with focused and concentrated listening, speakers may initially experience true shock and awe, followed by ultimate heart-felt appreciation. Finally, Listening Leaders® refine their skill and abilities of developing focus through scheduling active practice. Remembering that “perfect practice makes perfect,” Listening Leaders® establish a “Concentration Game Plan.” Some are as simple as outlined by long time golf champion, Patty Berg, “What does it take to be a champion? Desire, dedication, determination, concentration and the will to win.” So as we continue our quest of “Advancing listening leadership throughout the world,” we invite all Listening Leaders® to focus on developing a plan to concentrate. LISTENING LEADER® KNOWLEDGE NUGGET: Listening Leaders® find, fixate & focus. David Brooks captured the importance and essence of concentration in a recent column in the New York Times. Discussing the work of a sports psychologist, H. A. Dorfman who wrote “The Mental ABC’s of Pitching,” Brooks spotlights the importance of concentration. As Dorfman aims to relieve individuals from “the tyranny of the scattered mind,” he focuses on the importance of discipline. “Self-discipline is a form of freedom. Freedom from laziness and lethargy, and freedom from expectations and demands of others.” Although his focus is on the behavior of baseball pitchers, Listening Leaders® should find value in his suggestions to develop mental discipline. Simply put, Dorfman believes that behavior shapes thought and as a consequence everyone needs to build disciplined behaviors and attitudes. Suggesting that it takes 10,000 hours of practice to master any craft, he recommends that individuals engage in repetitious drills and specific rituals. Aggressiveness is the rule in achieving desired action. Speaking to baseball pitchers, Dorfman recommends they only think about three things: pitch selection, pitch location, and his target-the catcher’s glove. Dorfman suggest that pitchers think simple and small. Translated to listening action, we can suggest we only concentrate on: the communication purpose, the speaker’s message, and the end result. Like pitching, in listening the task at hand lies at the center of the activity. Find, fixate, and focus on the activity and the crowd will applaud. LISTENING LEADER TIP OF THE WEEK: Concentrate and rate. GOLDEN CIRCLE LISTENING LEADERS QUOTES OF THE WEEK: Concentration is the secret of strength ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson Beware lest you lose the substance by grasping at the shadow ~ Aesop Concentrate all your thoughts upon the work at hand. The sun's rays do not burn until brought to a focus ~ Alexander Graham Bell The successful man is the average man, focused ~ Anonymous It seems essential, in relationships and all tasks, that we concentrate only on what is most significant and important ~ Soren Kierkegaard Nothing can add more power to your life than concentrating all your energies on a limited set of targets ~ Nido Qubein If you chase two rabbits, both will escape ~ Malcolm Harvey A LISTENING LEADER GIGGLE: Although it is difficult to concentrate on bumper stickers moving at 65 miles per hour, the following should make one smile: “You’re just jealous because the voices only talk to me.” “I’m not a complete idiot…some parts are just missing.” “Ever stop to think…and forget to start again?” “Wrinkled was not one of the tings I wanted to be when I grew up!” “He who dies with the most toys is nonetheless DEAD.” “If a pig loses its voice, is it disgruntled?” “If Fed Ex and UPS were to merge, would they be called FED UP?” Now it is time for all Golden Circle Listening Leaders® to concentrate on your driving. LISTENING LEADERS KUDOS Kudos to the members of the Maine ASTD and the International Listening Association who participated in the recent 29th Annual ILA Convention in Portland, Maine. The power of concentration was abundant as witnessed by the international engagement of professional educators, consultants, trainers, researchers, entrepreneurs, and business owners. Congratulations to all who focused on the fact that listening has been, is, and will continue to be the primary communication activity used by most people throughout the world. Congratulations to each participant who reinforced the fact that listening has always been central to the personal, professional, social, educational, and family success of individual’s everywhere. Congratulations to everyone who departed with a commitment to build the foundation of skilled listening which is imperative to all professionals who are interested in, and responsible for, the productive training and development of employees within their respective organizations. Congratulations to those who understand that the importance of building solid foundations; as they become the solid bases upon which all other important organizational and societal structures are built. Congratulations to each Convention participant who understands that the individual and organizational performance, productivity, profitability, and pleasure of all employees, regardless of title, position, responsibility, or task, will continue to be directly related to the individuals’ attitude toward, skills of, and knowledge about listening. To each of you we salute and applaud your concentration and focus on advancing listening throughout the world. LISTENING LEADERSHIP BEHAVIOR INVENTORY IS NOW ACCESSIBLE. Do you know how others perceive how you listen? Find out by taking the Listening Leadership Behavior Inventory (LLBI). The LLBI is a 360 evaluation, web-based tool that is designed to assess how you perceive your own listening behaviors and also how others perceive how you listen. Listening Leadership® is the process of guiding yourself and others to positive results through the power of listening. The first half of your 22 page, individualized and comprehensive report will present information on your scores on each of the Ten Listening Leader Golden Rules. The second half of the report will present the comparison between your scores and your observer scores. The gap analysis of the 10 Golden Rules shows the difference in perception between your scores and your observers' scores. The fee for the LLBI is $55. To purchase the inventory and receive your 7 digit registration code, please go to www.ListeningLeaders.com BECOME CERTIFIED TO TEACH LISTENING LEADERSHIP IN YOUR ORGANIZATION. You will become fully equipped to deliver a unique and proven Workshop that provides practical and measurable results. For certification details, go to www.ListeningLeaders.com ORDER YOUR “LISTENING LEADERS WORKSHOP ‘IN A BOX’. You don't have to wait for the next live Listening Leaders® Workshop! The entire workshop is in a format that you can take at your own pace in the comfort of your own office or home. For details, go to www.ListeningLeaders.com WE ARE LISTENING and invite your action Together, we can change the listening attitudes, skills, and knowledge of leaders throughout the world. We appreciate and invite your assistance in expanding our listening leader’s connections. Eight simple steps in advancing this important movement include: Train, train, train Forward this newsletter to your children, grand children, friends and colleagues. More important, invite them to Subscribe to the “complimentary and weekly” newsletter by going to www.listeningleaders.com Send us your listening leader insights, examples and stories. Start a Listening Leaders Reading and Discussion Group. Invite your Librarian to purchase our Award winning LISTENING LEADER book. As meeting, conference, and convention attendees spend the bulk of their time listening, please let others know of our availability to Keynote Conventions and customize Listening Leader Workshops. Invite us to identify specific needs for listening development of leaders in your organizations. Ask about our proven listening leader training programs and our customized in-house train-the-trainer strategies and our Certification program. We can help, we are committed, and we are listening. Listen, Lead On & Make Today Count! – Manny & Rick __________________________________________________________________ LISTENING LEADERS: THE TEN GOLDEN RULES TO LISTEN, LEAD & SUCCEED By Dr. Lyman K. Steil & Dr. Richard K. Bommelje Publisher: Beaver’s Pond Press (ISBN 1-59298-073-2) A pioneering book that directly connects listening with leadership.Based on more than 50 collective years of work with listening leaders throughout the world, Dr. Steil and Dr. Bommelje have created 10 practical, proven, and priceless rules to enhance everyone's listening and leadership success. Although outstanding leaders are outstanding listeners, most leaders have neglected the development of their listening attitudes, skills and knowledge. “This is the most significant book ever written on listening and leadership and will profit leaders at all levels in all types of organizations and enterprises.” Dr. Ralph Nichols, Father of the Field of Listening ORDER YOUR COPY at www.ListeningLeaders.com or www.amazon.com Listening Leaders is a weekly e-mail newsletter for people who understand the value of Listening Leadership in their life. It is brought to you by the INTERNATIONAL LISTENING LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE We welcome your comments, suggestions and questions. Please e-mail: ClientServices@ListeningLeaders.com. Also, please visit our website: www.ListeningLeaders.com Join our Golden Circle of Listening Leaders who are spreading Listening Leadership attitude, skills and knowledge worldwide! Forward your copy to anyone you believe will benefit from reading The Listening Leaders! COPYRIGHT AND REPRINTS Reprint permission is granted when the following credit appears: "© International Listening Leadership Institute. Reprinted with permission from ‘“The Listening Leaders Newsletter,' a weekly Internet newsletter”. For your own personal subscription, go to www.ListeningLeaders.com" PRIVACY STATEMENT Your e-mail address is absolutely confidential. We will NEVER give, sell or share your address with anyone. Subscribe Cancel Update Dr. Lyman K. (Manny) Steil 25 Robb Farm Road St. Paul, MN 55127 651-483-3597 LKS@ListeningLeaders.com Dr. Richard K. (Rick) Bommelje 8530 Amber Oak Dr Orlando, FL 32817 407-679-7280 RKB@ListeningLeaders.com © 2007 by International Listening Leadership Institute. All rights reserved

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