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Listen

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Listen 300x150_edited-1One of the most important The Big Six® principles is developing the practice of truly listening. Many of us have been raised to believe that the more you say, and the louder you say it, the better you at leading. However, in an environment where listening is subordinated to talking, initiative is stifled and good ideas are never sought – much less considered – so opportunity is lost.

This is why listening is a prerequisite to establishing a high performing culture defined by empowerment and initiative.

When a leader sets the example and brings listening skills to an organization, team members respond in dramatic fashion. One of our favorite Army leaders who understood the value of listening was Lieutenant General (retired) Don Holder. As a thought leader in the doctrinal shift to decentralized operations and empowerment, he impacted two generations of Army leaders. General Holder’s style was to talk to the junior soldiers of a unit and ask lots of questions. He took notes and never interrupted the soldiers’ answers. Morale skyrocketed as a result and an exchange of ideas became part of the culture.

The buy in and creativity we gain from soliciting the input of others is far more valuable than what we can offer from just transmitting.

Most successful senior leaders spend at least half of their day listening to the views of their teammates. The notion may seem counterintuitive to some leaders who mistakenly believe that if they are smart enough to lead then they should be the ones doing the talking. However, leaders certainly aren’t all-knowing and sometimes they need to check their ego at the door.

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Testimonials

Jeff Nix, Assistant General Manager – Detroit Pistons

The Level Five event was a great learning experience with real world applications. I believe in learning from those individuals who have lived through and can expertly share their life lessons. I highly recommend Robert Mixon and Level Five Associates.

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Marv Stein, CEO (Retired) – Stein Food Company

Experience is a prerequisite to progress! Nearly nine years ago I experienced progress as a friend of MG Robert Mixon. He led me to join the volunteer corps at Ft Carson, Co. His guidance and leadership led me to become a Good Neighbor at the Fort. Additionally, his abilities created a friendship for the post and the City of Pueblo which continues to thrive and grow. Prior to his command this condition did not exist.

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Gene Brown, LTCOL – USMCR (Res. Ret.)

Thank you for sharing your experiences, your time AND your leadership insight.  I recognize that you could do anything with your time but choose to use it to inspire the hidden leader in all of us.  I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to have met you and I’m especially grateful for your candid conversation.

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Level Five Associates

6769 N. Wickham Road, Suite B107
Melbourne, FL 32940

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Level Five Associates is a New York State Certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business (SDVOSB CVE)


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