Rediscovering Listening In A World Of Noise
Abhyuday Jindal, MD, JSL, on the art of listening and how it is crucial for fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation as well as driving organisational change
I have come to realise that in today's fast-paced world, the art of listening is often overshadowed by the constant noise and turbulence of our daily lives. The phrase "beautiful turbulence," which I first heard in a film, resonates deeply with me. It perfectly encapsulates the chaotic nature of our minds, which are often filled with countless thoughts, like a stormy sea. This inner noise can make it challenging to find calm and clarity, but listening to these thoughts is crucial for self-awareness, a trait that I believe is fundamental for effective leadership.
For me, self-awareness has been a journey, one that I've cultivated through introspection and actively listening to my inner voice. In moments of overwhelm, I've found solace in quiet reflection, allowing myself to sift through the mental clutter. This practice has not only helped me achieve personal clarity but has also enhanced my ability to think creatively and solve problems—skills that are indispensable in today's competitive and rapidly changing market.
While we often discuss listening in the context of communicating with others, I believe it's equally important to engage in an internal dialogue. Sigmund Freud's concept of "evenly hovering attention," which involves maintaining a balanced focus, has been particularly enlightening for me. This approach helps me avoid getting bogged down by details or being overwhelmed by the sheer volume of ideas, allowing for a deeper self-awareness and emotional intelligence—qualities that are crucial for both personal and professional growth.
Listening as a Tool for Effective Leadership
In our organisation, I've seen first-hand how powerful listening can be. It's a tool that facilitates open dialogue, uncovers diverse perspectives, and fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation. For instance, our quarterly town hall meetings, where employees from all levels and backgrounds share their insights, have improved my understanding of people and what it takes to be an effective leader. These townhalls not only provide a platform for airing grievances and concerns but also generate fresh ideas for improving our processes. Implementing these suggestions has led to higher feedback scores and a more positive work culture, demonstrating that genuine listening can drive significant organisational change.
As I've come to understand, true leadership goes beyond exerting influence; it's about building authentic connections based on mutual understanding. By prioritising listening, we as leaders can create a shared vision that inspires and motivates our teams. This approach fosters an environment where collaboration thrives, and innovative solutions emerge organically.
Envisioning a world where listening is paramount opens up vast possibilities. In such a world, differences would be celebrated, trust would flourish, and solutions would naturally arise from the rich tapestry of diverse voices. In my own experience, fostering a culture of listening has led to increased collaboration and breakthroughs that I had not previously considered. The power of listening—whether to oneself or others—cannot be overstated. It's through listening that we can truly connect, understand, and innovate, making it an indispensable skill in both our personal and professional lives.
