Think you’re a great listener? Think again.In this episode of Work, But Make It Human, Jim Mayer uncovers the leadership skill that’s often overlooked but has the power to transform everything—active listening. Listening isn’t just about hearing words; it’s about understanding the emotions, intentions, and meaning behind them.Through personal stories, practical tips, and hard-earned lessons, Jim explains why active listening is essential for building trust, connection, and engagement in the workplace. He breaks down the common traps leaders fall into—like “listening to respond” instead of truly hearing—and shares actionable strategies to start listening better today.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why most of us overestimate our listening skills.The critical difference between hearing and active listening.How leaders who prioritize listening build stronger teams and deeper trust.7 actionable steps to improve your listening skills right now.This episode also includes a free downloadable resource to help you evaluate and enhance your listening habits. Ready to unlock the leadership superpower that changes everything? Chapters00:00 – Why Most Leaders Think They’re Great Listeners (But Aren’t)Jim opens with a hard truth: most of us aren’t as good at listening as we think. He sets the stage for why active listening is critical and shares the history behind the concept.02:15 – What Active Listening Really MeansExplore the key principles of active listening, from being fully present to understanding emotions and nonverbal cues.04:00 – The Hidden Costs of Poor ListeningJim shares the consequences of dismissive, surface-level, and transactional listening—and how it disengages teams and damages trust.06:42 – How to Practice Active ListeningStep-by-step strategies to sharpen your listening skills, including tips for managing distractions, embracing silence, and asking the right questions.10:51 – From Multitasking to Mindful LeadershipA personal story about Jim’s shift from distracted to intentional listening—and how it strengthened his team.13:15 – The Challenge to Lead Like It MattersJim wraps up with a challenge: identify someone in your life who deserves your undivided attention and commit to listening without distractions.Resource for Leaders:Download the Active Listening Toolkit to evaluate your listening habits and build deeper connections today: themfgconnector.com.This isn’t just about improving conversations—it’s about transforming how you lead.

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