I almost talked myself out of creating a new programme.
Twenty-two years of coaching executives, founders, and speakers and I still needed a client and friend to remind me: “Melina, this is literally what you do!” She was right.
Last week I delivered the programme and one of the things I taught the group stopped them cold.
The 4 levels of active listening:
1) Interrupting the other person because you want to add a thought,
2) Waiting for them to stop…then immediately jumping in,
3) Listening for what’s being said,
4) Listening for what’s not being said: the body language, the tone, where their eyes go.
Most people live at level 2 and think they’re good listeners. Level 4 is where real conversations happen. It’s where trust gets built. It’s where you actually learn what someone needs from you as a leader.
And here’s what I want managers to know: this is a skill.
It’s not a personality trait.
It’s not reserved for empaths or natural connectors.
It can be taught.
Every day, talented people get promoted into management with zero coaching training. They’re expected to lead, develop, and retain their teams with none of the tools to do it. And we wonder why good employees leave.
Learning to truly listen isn’t soft. It’s the most underrated leadership skill that exists.
Which level do you operate at most of the time? Be honest.