“Effective listening is proven by what happens after the listening is over.”

They say that 90 percent of any good production is the audio. Okay, that makes it sound like what we hear is pretty important when on the job. But isn’t it also funny that, whether you are in the business of audiovisual technology or not, effective listening is always a crucial area and skill for professionals. It’s that concept that we explore in this episode of brAVe [skills], called Listen Up! Effective Listening.

Listening is more than just a means to process

One of the main takeaways for me when Britt and I recorded this was that there is no substitute for this skill when it comes to effective leadership. There just isn’t. There is no get good quick scheme, no magic bullet, no time-saving strategy for developing this skill. It takes time, practice, and intentional repetition. And it absolutely takes a human touch. Sorry AI, but this is one  area where you can be a tool, but only insomuch as we leverage you to give us the ability to process large amounts of info, and if I am being honest, if we are thinking of listening in this context as being about processing above all, we have missed the point.

Listening is a means of showing respect

A leader (big L or little l) leverages listening not merely to process information so they don’t sound like an idiot when it is there moment to respond. They do it because it is a key aspect of showing another human that you respect them, that you honor them, and that what they have to say is of importance, regardless of whether you as the listener even understand it or not.

Listening is a means of gaining respect

When we are on the job as technicians and audiovisual professionals, we are likely in a position of power at some stage of the work. We are also in a position of service, as all our work is meant to make the experience of another (often referred to as the client) better. How can we make something better without first hearing the client explain their needs, their pain points, and their aspirations for their situation?

I’ve seen technicians fall into the trap of relying on their knowledge to gain credibility with a client, and don’t get me wrong, it is a vital part of the equation. If you don’t know what you’re talking about, I’m not sure why we should be having a conversation that ends with me paying you for services. However, I can say that humans (since I am one) respond more to the way you make them feel than what you say, and when I see a technician showing signs of effective listening before they begin regaling me with spec sheets and technical speak, I know I’ve got a potential partner here, not just a vendor.

Want to gain credibility? Listen more than you speak. Trust me.

Customers speak with their wallets, and markets speak with their time. If you want more of either, show them you are willing to take the time to listen when you are on the site call. You’ll have plenty of folks lining up to receive your work once you do, because the act of listening effectively (and then doing something with what you heard) speaks volumes on your behalf.