by Carlo Cuesta
When an actor walks on stage, we may think that their reflex is to perform. But after years of working in the theater, I know that’s not quite right. An actor’s natural reflex, due to many hours of training and rehearsal, is to listen.
Next time you walk into a meeting, try channeling an actor: Set your performance aside and just listen for the first 15 minutes. Try to sit back and quiet your mind so you can truly see, hear, and sense the other people around the table and the strengths they’re sharing.
You might be asking, “What’s the point? Just to allow others the chance to speak? To figure out how to best position my argument or point of view?” Again, not quite.
Consider this—actively listening to your colleagues while focusing on their strengths helps you and your team build a better partnership and deepens your collaboration. It signals respect and a willingness to hear others’ points of view. It builds trust, expands your perspective, adds to your knowledge, and helps you see the bigger picture. When you do speak, you’ll be better informed and more aware, ergo more relevant.
Here’s our mutual challenge. At our next meetings, let’s take a cue from our favorite actors and set our intention not on what we want to say, but on how well we listen to others.