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[ListeningLeaders]
Listening Leaders Newsletter
March 3, 2010
LISTENING LEADERS STILL WONDER WHY
Listening Leaders® who wisely return to timeless lessons will find profit by continuing to “still wonder why”. In the rush of everyday life, today’s simple question is: “Why do so many listeners fail to master the refined art of asking deep and meaningful questions?”
Review of our November 30, 2005 Listening Leaders Newsletter, and reflection on the world affairs of 2010, reminds us that skilled listeners profit immensely when they pose great questions through the five W’s: Who, What, Why, Where, and When. Simply put, outstanding Listening Leaders® master the invaluable primary art of asking deep and great “Why” questions.
To repeat, as Rudyard Kipling so aptly described the “six honest serving-men” in his Elephant’s Story, the “Why’s” carry the day.
For as Kipling explained: “I keep six honest serving-men; They taught me all I knew; Their names are What and Why and When and How and Where and Who. I send them over land and sea, I send them east and west; but after they have worked for me, I give them all a rest. I let them rest from nine till five, for I am busy then, as well as breakfast, lunch, and tea, for they are hungry men. But different folks have different views; I know a person, small she keeps ten million serving-men, who get no rest at all! She sends them abroad on her own affairs, from the second she opens her eyes one million How’s, two million Where’s, and seven million Why’s?”
Most young children provide the simple lesson that some “Why” questions are intriguing, interesting, and perplexing. Some are not. On the other hand, some “Why” questions are difficult and seemingly impossible to answer; while some require little intellectual effort. Some “Why” questions demand answers, while others may seem silly and unworthy of response. However, in every case, Listening Leaders® pay heed to the questions of those they choose to lead.
In addition, effective listeners focus on the questions behind the questions. Obviously, some constantly wonder “Why” because the information is truly important. Other questions of “Why” are simply based on a force of curiosity. In either case, the act of digging deeper and deeper forces: refinement of thought; increased supporting data; advancement of reasoning; heightened clarity of understanding; and, enhancement of meaningful communication.
In the process, skilled Listening Leaders® become diligent in refining four additional personal abilities of asking pointed “Why” questions. Initially they narrow and carefully define their “Why” questions. Second, they selectively pose their questions to those who most likely know the answers. Third, they express due appreciation to every answer they are given. Fourth, if they are left wondering “Why”, they look elsewhere. As a result, they learn more and thus know more.
Along the way Listening Leaders® master seven critical keys to listening and responding to “Why” questions. First, they attune themselves to the word “Why.” Second, they identify the predictable patterns of the “Why” askers of their world. Third, they listen for the exact essence of the question. Fourth, they listen for the question or questions behind the question. Fifth, they never belittle the question or the questioner. Sixth, they answer the question. Finally, when they do not know the answer to the question, they say so, and if they are servant leaders, they will offer to help find the answers to the important questions. Finally when all is said and done, wise listeners still wonder why.
LISTENING LEADER® KNOWLEDGE NUGGET: Listening Leaders® listen beyond the questions of every speaker.
In the present challenges of the 21st Century, ultimate individual and organizational success resides in dealing with the multiple layers of “Why” questions. We live in difficult times as politicians of all stripes charge the opposition of “not listening” and, in turn, a majority of the population wonders why they are not being listened to. Joblessness is rampant, the economy is suffering, deficits continue to grow, and folks struggle with the many reasons why. Conflict and warfare is heightened around the world as terrorists continue to feed the flames of hatred. Significant new natural disasters rupture societies and call for multiple solutions on numerous fronts. Healthcare and energy debates challenge and divide thoughtful people at all levels. Unprecedented automotive recalls highlight the importance of avoiding and solving significant problems.
Yet, Listening Leaders® understand all potential solutions reside in the common component of skilled listeners who know how to ask the simple question “why”? Of course, it also demands that the skill will be engaged.
In 2007, David Magee spotlighted “leadership lessons from the world’s greatest car company” in his insightful and fascinating book How Toyota Became #1. In spite of their present problems, Magee explored why Toyota thundered past Ford and General Motors to become the world’s largest manufacturer of automobiles.
Magee dug deeply into Toyota’s deep-seated culture and discussed the company’s orientation to: 1) focusing on the long term; 2) jumping beyond the current trend; 3) making quality everyone’s responsibility; 4) striving for continuous improvement; 5) managing individual strengths; and, 6) committing to authentic transformation. In light of their recent technical problems and their fall from grace, everyone is asking “why”? Perhaps they failed to follow their own vaunted process of “genchi genvutsu”
Taiichi Ohno a former Toyota Executive believes that “Questions are the gateways to truths” and promotes a Toyota process known as the “Five Why’s.” The process of layered interrogation is intended to listen below the surface of a problem and consider the chain reaction of consequences that lead back to the originating source of trouble. The concept amounts to little more than naively and innocently asking “why” over and over until the answer reaches the root cause of any problem. One of the most revered principles at Toyota is “genchi genbutsu”, which means going to the source. When applied with vigor, practice of the “Five Why’s” provides swift response and resolution of small problems that may have large and long-term consequences if allowed to continue without immediate correction. Toyota’s leaders will profit by re-reading David Magee’s book, for sometimes the cars jump off the track.
LISTENING LEADER TIP OF THE WEEK: If you really want to know why, repeatedly go deep.
GOLDEN CIRCLE LISTENING LEADERS QUOTES OF THE WEEK:
- A sudden, bold, and unexpected question doth many times surprise a man and lay him open ~ Francis Bacon
- The scientist is not a person who gives the right answers, he is the one who asks the right questions ~ Claude Lévi-Straus
- Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding ~ Bible
- When I believe in nothing I do not want to meet you when you believe in nothing ~ Antonio Porchia
- It is easier to judge a person’s mental capacity by his questions than by his answers ~ Le Duc de Lévis
- To question a wise man is the beginning of wisdom ~ German Proverb
- ‘And men fell out they knew not why ~ Samuel Butler
- A prudent question is one-half of wisdom ~ Francis Bacon
- Knowledge dwells in heads replete with thoughts of other men ~ William Cowper
- Pull the cord or pay the price ~ Gary Convis
A LISTENING LEADER GIGGLE:
Consider the following “Why” questions and PLEASE let us know the answers.If love is blind, why is lingerie so popular?
Why do Lipton Tea employees take coffee breaks?
Why do we kill people who kill people to show them that killing people is wrong?
If it's true that we are here to help others, then why are the others here?
Why is there an expiration date on sour cream?
Why does a 'slight tax increase' cost you $200 and a 'substantial tax cut' save you 30 cents?
If one synchronized swimmer drowns, why do the rest have to drown?
Why is lemon juice made with artificial flavoring, and dishwashing liquid made with real lemons?
Since bread is square, then why is sandwich meat round?
Why do you have to "put your two cents in," but it's only a "penny for your thoughts"? Why is the extra penny needed?
Why does a round pizza come in a square box?
Why is it that people say they "slept like a baby" when babies wake up about every two hours?
If a deaf person goes to court, why is it still called a hearing?
Why are people IN a movie, but ON TV?
Why do people pay to go up tall buildings to put money in binoculars to look at things on the ground?
Why do Doctors who are going to eventually see you naked, leave the room while you change?
Why is "bra" singular and "panties" plural?
Why do illiterate people eat alphabet soup?
Why is there a light in the refrigerator and not in the freezer?
If Jimmy cracks corn and no one cares, why is there a song?
Why can a hearse carrying a corpse drive in the carpool lane?
If the professor on Gilligan's Island can make a radio out of a coconut, why can't he fix a hole in a boat?
Why does Goofy stand erect while Pluto remains on all fours?
If Wyle E. Coyote had enough money to buy all the ACME products, why doesn't he just buy dinner?
Why do we keep on asking why, why, why?
LISTENING LEADERS KUDOS
Kudos to the roughly twenty per-cent of the population who are perpetually driven to dig deep and ask unending “Why” questions. Although they may irritate many, they drive through the gateways of truth and provide the ultimate model for all effective Listening Leaders®. In the process, they become the lead horses in avoiding and solving the larger problems of life. We salute your unending tenacity and service to clarity and understanding.
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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:
- Continue to dig deep and wonder why. Identify significant “Why” driven listeners who have contributed to your growth by their questions, listening, and learning, and send them a note of gratitude.
- 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
__________________________________________________________________ If you would like a to use a template, but don't fancy our basic selection, we can create one for you. Call or email us to learn more.
LISTENING LEADERS: THE TEN GOLDEN RULES
TO LISTEN, LEAD & SUCCEEDBy 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
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LKS@ListeningLeaders.comDr. Richard K. (Rick) Bommelje
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