Be on guard when you speak. Those that matter might be listening.
Say what is required, do what is necessary.
People share more with those they assess as guarded in their speech.
“We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.” – Epictetus
If you have 100% of time available in any engagement, try listening 67% of the time, and speaking 33% of the time.
Writing clarifies thoughts, because it is an expressive listening to your thoughts. It is advisable in formal speeches, to write what you will say. It does not make you connect less. It just helps you clarify. Everything looks different in our heads, but word on paper is immediate feedback.
In conversations, listening improves engagement because the one you listen to, knows that such a gift is rare and they take it as a mark of care. Speak to clarify.
This is especially important for leaders, who are prone to misinterprete communication for talking about the vision and mission, daily, without listening to the boots on the ground that execute the necessary processes and tasks daily. Both are important, but your processes and tasks are your 67%.
– Osasu Oviawe