Key Design Career Trait 13: ACTIVE LISTENING
- Erica Hughey
- Feb 2
- 2 min read
Updated: Feb 4
You may not be the CFO, but this trait is the natural inclination to serve the business by accounting for the shared experiences and collective expansion of the organization. I invite you to reflect on the ability to sense what is unspoken about the company culture and operations. This enables you to gather wisdom from the lessons learned in the past and build a bridge of bounty that leads the team toward the future, more informed and better positioned.
With your gift of gathering stories, you know how to appreciate the challenges and success of the team and derive valuable insights that can change a painful narrative into prosperity which positively impacts the trajectory of the group. This skill of listening to understand, and not just hearing, makes you a valuable member in any department. Trait 13 is one the twelve core business penta skills that must be present in a small team for it to be fully functional and reach its optimal potential.
Your leadership and practical advice is informed by the deeper insights you have which you use to help others to navigate their individual challenges as they develop themselves. This type of active listening includes attention to subtle details that makes you a natural mediator who knows how to place what was said in a broader context, opening up opposing parties to new perspectives. Subsequently, you can offer conclusive clarification as a trusted advisor pointing others in the right direction.
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT
In those times where your insights are not well received, you may experience resentment and not feel appreciated. It is difficult for you to hold back your thoughts about the matter at hand and not share you wisdom, especially when you can easily see the solution. Timing is important as others will only accept your advice when they ask for it. Take that as a VIP invitation that they have readied themselves for your transformative guidance. Although others may indiscriminately come to you as a sounding board, the key is to wait for the right question to be asked of you for effective communication. Waiting also ensures that you are not making it about you, dominating the conversation, or becoming emotionally triggered yourself. Patience is key as your talent unfolds and is recognized by others at a time when your words and actions are truly needed.
Self-Reflections:
How can I cultivate the skill of compassionate listening and what personal barriers might hinder me from embodying this role?
What strategies can I adopt to ensure psychologically safe spaces for others without becoming emotionally entangled in their stores?
What old narratives of mine do I need to rewrite to encourage my growth and development first and then others?
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