Author and leadership expert Max De Pree in his bestseller, Leadership is an Art, states “There may be no single thing more important in our efforts to achieve meaningful work and fulfilling relationships than to learn and practice the art of communication.”

Isn’t that statement so true? Most of our issues with people are typically centered on communication — either the lack of or missed communication.

As leaders, we are prone to be talkers. I know that to be true in my case, just ask my kids. I guess it is true, that many of us enjoy sharing our knowledge, wisdom, and insights.

What I have learned over the years is the more people I lead the more I must listen. To be an effective leader, listening has more to do than talking.

We can learn so much about what is happening to a person, to the team, and or company, by asking more than talking. I am not sure where I read or heard this quote, “I already know what I know, but I don’t know what you know.”  Seems like that sums it up. As leaders let’s keep honing our listening skills to be better leaders.