6 Reasons Why You’re a Bad Listener (And How to Change It) (Fast Company)
Listening is hard because there are several inhibitors that are competing for our attention. Unfortunately, leaders can tend to have more of an ego than their followers, and it can shut down their listening. “Your ego tells you, ‘I’m really smart. How much do I need to listen to this person?'” says Fred Halstead, author of Leadership Skills that Inspire Incredible Results. “It prevents you from listening to people you think are intellectually or socially inferior.” Those who are most secure, however, are the ones who have the confidence to listen, respect, and value others.