As a quick follow-up to my earlier blog “Listening – A great market research tool’ I just came across a very interesting audio clip on ‘the importance of listening’ by Tom Peters, one of the most renown management professors in the world and author of 14 books including: the blockbuster Pursuit of Excellence (1982), The Pursuit of Wow (1994), Re-imagine! Business excellence in a Disruptive Age (2003), and his newest The Little Big Things: 163 Ways to Pursue Excellence (2010).
Using a medical analogy about the importance of a doctor listening to a patient as a primary source of information, he affirms the importance of listening. Alas, the reality he says, is that most managers only listen for 18 seconds – yes, 18 seconds, then jump into solutions. The single strength of an organization is not the strategic plan, but is strategic listening to customers, vendors and staff. It is a skill that can be learned and improved.
So are you an 18 second manager? If so perhaps a focus on your listening skills would be a valuable investment in your people, customers, and your business!
