VIM Executive Coaching recently heard the story of an executive who convinced her boss to help sponsor her grandmother’s curling team! If that wasn’t absurd enough, the team plays two states over.
Then several years ago, we knew of an executive leader who gifted an employee who collected seashells, a trip to a major Malacology convention (we’re going to make you look up that one!), and a little less dramatic, the story of an executive leader who allowed his marketing department to put beehives on their company rooftop (so they could enjoy honey in their tea).
Why Indeed?
As with most everything in life, there are back stories to these stories: the executive leader and her legal secretary had worked together for many years, and she shared it was the grandmother who raised her; the executive who collected shells was grieving the loss of a spouse; the company that put beehives on its rooftop was in the organic foods business and it was done out of respect for a new client.
Were these small acts of kindness ridiculous or were they due to the fact that the executive leaders had listening skills? We would imagine the total commitment in terms of expenditures to be less than $2,500. Yet, they cemented relationships, impressed a new client and helped a valued employee to heal.
In a study done by the Gallup organization (April 17, 2023) it was found that:
“The percentage of employees saying they know what’s expected of them at work dropped to a record low in 2022. Great leaders provide a clear vision for their people. They explain where the company is coming from and where it’s going.”
Indeed, it was found that pre- and post-pandemic, effective listening skills had plummeted from 55-percent to 22-percent.
In short, executive leaders often stop listening to their peers and subordinates. Whether we seek to blame social media, cable television or the political climate, the net result is often workplaces that lack communication. Most everyone, it seems are in silos with no one willing to reach out from one silo to the next.
Where Does a Lack of Listening Lead?
It is generally recognized that there are at least 5 inevitable outcomes when no one listens:
- Employees misconstrue one another, and it leads to generalized misinterpretation from one department to the next.
- The mistrust created will inevitably lead to a deterioration of relationships up and down the ladder.
- Inept problem resolution within the group.
- Declining efficiency of operation.
- Increasing employee turnover.
The lack of listening skills helps no one.
However, and we would suppose it could be a number one outcome, is that a lack of listening really translates into a lack of mindfulness. When employees, leaders to peers, to directors to subordinates, back and forth, fail to respond with authenticity and any sense of compassion, it represents much more than “silos,” but a kind of endemic or prevalent sickness.
When people start to misinterpret it does lead to inefficiencies and ineptitude. A lack of awareness and mindfulness is not a harmless outcome rather deepening frustrations and general indifference.
The small acts of kindness are hallmarks of healthier organizations. The examples we gave above are representative of executive leaders who listened and then acted with a sense of compassion. It is getting to know the people sitting across from the real or virtual desk.
One final note: mindfulness and authenticity can’t be faked, but are felt. There are dozens of ways in which executive leaders might fail to listen, but only one true reason to be authentically mindful: a commitment to workplace excellence.