Listening Leaders Archived Edition

February 3, 2010

LISTENING LEADERS COVET CONSISTENT COMMUNICATION

Listening Leaders® who choose to be successful crave and covet consistent communication for one simple reason. Generally speaking, consistency in life trumps inconsistency. Unfortunately for many, the concept of coveting and the activities of being consistent are viewed as negative acts. In the process of craving or coveting consistency in communication, it becomes important to consider the broad meaning of coveting anything.

Of course, the Bible teaches, and the Tenth Commandment commands that everyone everywhere should not covet, for it is bad. As written in Deuteronomy 5:21, “You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife; and you shall not desire your neighbors house, his field, his male servant, his female servant, his ox, his donkey, or anything that is your neighbors.”

In addition, Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary suggests that to covet is “to long inordinately or unlawfully, to hanker after something forbidden, to wish, long or crave for something.”

On the other hand, to crave and covet worthwhile behaviors can be productive to society at large. Effective Listening Leaders® distinguish the significant differences between legitimate desires from evil desires. To crave and covet legitimate desires can be good as productive listeners yearn for consistent communication throughout their personal and professional lives.

Yet, some have claimed that consistency is grossly overrated. Aldous Huxley argued, “Consistency is contrary to nature, contrary to life, and that the only completely consistent people are dead.” Oscar Wilde believed, “Consistency is the last refuge of the unimaginative.” William Allen White suggested, “ Consistency is the paste jewel that only cheap men cherish.” Bernard Berenson consistently stated, “Consistency requires you to be as ignorant today as you were a year ago.” And of course, Ralph Waldo Emerson expressed his opinion that “A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines.”

The simple fact remains; some are constantly consistent in the error of their opinions. Obviously, in the broad activity of listening, “foolish consistency” poses a problem. However, on a larger scale, consistency in listening has its merits and is worth coveting.

Basically, outstanding listeners develop, practice, and refine a consistent strategy to become and remain long-term effective listeners. They develop, practice, and reinforce their productive listening attitudes and skills. In addition, they consistently expand their knowledge about the comprehensive process of listening leadership. In short, when it comes to listening and leading, Listening Leaders® crave to consistently be recognized as the “Best of the Best.” It requires a plan, hard work and courage. For as Maya Angelou reminds us, “One isn’t necessarily born with courage, but one is born with potential. Without courage, we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency.” When that transpires, consistent listeners will become respected models as ultimate communicators for all those they lead.

LISTENING LEADER® KNOWLEDGE NUGGET: Listening Leaders® Strive for Consistent Communication

The value of coveting and crafting consistent skills is seen in the daily behaviors of outstanding World Class, Hall of Fame athletes. Champions strive to consistently perform at their best: day after day; week after week; and, year after year. Like all outstanding Listening Leaders® great athletes focus on preparation, principles, practices, and action.

In the process, they commit to: “building solid foundations; growing their positive attitudes; identifying their goals and end purpose; assuming the primary responsibility for their success; following proven principles; and refining specific behaviors.” With positive repetition, they emulate the consistent behaviors of their role models by consistently engaging in practice, practice, and practice.

They follow the simple wisdom of Anthony Robbins, who believes, “In essence, if we want to direct our lives, we must take control of our consistent actions. It’s not what we do once in a while that shapes our lives, but what we do consistently.” Or as the great football Quarterback, Roger Staubach observed, “In any team sport, the best teams have consistency and chemistry.”

Tom Seaver concurred when he said, “In baseball, my theory is to strive for consistency and not worry about the numbers. If you dwell on statistics you get shortsighted. If you aim for consistency, the numbers will be there at the end.”

In basketball, Isiah Thomas believes that “Most players in the league want consistency.” The great tennis player, Roger Federer gives credit for his success to his focus on consistency. In training in the world of running, Frank Shorter reports “Consistency is the most important aspect of training.” The message is the same at every level and in every sporting arena, and Listening Leaders® who covet the opportunity to be world-class listeners will be wise to listen and take meaningful action.

LISTENING LEADER TIP OF THE WEEK: Emulate the consistency of world-class athletes.

GOLDEN CIRCLE LISTENING LEADERS QUOTES OF THE WEEK:

Consistency is the foundation of virtue ~ Francis Bacon
Consistency, Madam, is the first of Christian duties ~ Charlotte Bronte
Part of courage is simple consistency ~ Peggy Noonan
That is true wisdom, to know how to alter one’s mind when occasion demands it ~ Terence
I have no consistency, except in politics; and that probably arises from my indifference to the subject altogether ~ Lord Byron
I pray to be like the ocean, with soft currents, maybe waves at times. More and more, I want the consistency rather than the high and the lows ~ Drew Barrymore
The only way a man can remain consistent amid changing circumstances is to change with them while preserving the same dominating purpose ~ Winston Churchill

A LISTENING LEADER GIGGLE:

We are indebted to Roger, a “Golden Circle Listening Leader” who provides us consistent relevant and humorous material. As Roger reports:

A group of 40-year-old guys who have been lifetime buddies discuss where they should meet for dinner. Finally it is agreed upon that they should meet and eat at the Gausthof zum Lowen restaurant because the waitress's there are nicely endowed and have low-cut blouses.

10 years later, at 50 years of age, the group meets again and once again they discuss where they should meet for dinner. Finally it is agreed that they should meet and eat at the Gausthof zum Lowen because their food and wine is consistently very good.

10 years later at 60 years of age, the group meets again and once again they discuss where they should meet for dinner. Recognizing the value of consistency, they unanimously agree to meet and eat at the Gausthof zum Lowen because they can eat there in peace and quiet and the restaurant is smoke free.

10 years later, at 70 years of age, the group meets again to discuss where they should meet for their group dinner. Once again it is agreed that they should meet and eat at the Gausthof zum Lowen because the restaurant is wheel chair accessible and they have an elevator.

Time passes, and 10 years later, at 80 years of age, the group meets again to discuss where they should meet for dinner. After much discussion, the old buddies finally agree that they should meet and eat at the Gausthof zum Lowen because it is the one restaurant they have never been to before.

LISTENING LEADERS KUDOS

We extend our kudos to the scores of thousands of hard working athletes around the world who understand and illustrate the pay-off of developing consistent strategies and practices. We applaud those who listen to their coaches and practice with focused intensity and consistency for they provide invaluable life lessons. From little league to high school, to college, to the professional ranks, to everyday successful sportsmen and sportswomen, they show Listening Leaders® the way for consistent success.

As another Super Bowl lies around the corner we send kudos to the team members and the legion of fans of the Indianapolis Colts and the New Orleans Saints. We trust they will exhibit the value and worthwhile lessons of consistency. May the best team enjoy the joy of victory.

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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:

Covet consistent communication.

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.

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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

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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

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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
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407-679-7280
RKB@ListeningLeaders.com

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