What Makes a ‘Listening Tour’ Meaningful?
Leaders in new roles are often advised to get to know the organization and its people by going on a “listening tour.” These efforts can build trust and yield valuable information but are most successful if leaders learn to practice deep listening, suggests MIT SMR columnist Sanyin Siang. She advises leaders to listen for what’s unsaid, for innovative ideas and suggestions for improvements, and for values, to better understand what drives team members.
