leadership strategies
Mastering the Triad of Conscious Listening for Multifamily Leaders
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Photo by saeed karimi on Unsplash
Leaders face an overwhelming amount of information every day. One could argue that Multifamily Regional Managers process more information than their counterparts in other industries. But amidst all the noise, the art of conscious listening stands out as a differentiator. It’s not merely about absorbing words; it’s about understanding content, tapping into emotions, and discerning desires. This profound understanding can set you apart as a leader in the multifamily space. And, frankly, in life.
Conscious Listening to Content and Context
Content is at the heart of any conversation. It’s the facts, figures, and tangible pieces of information exchanged. However, content isn’t just about the words spoken. It’s also about the unsaid, the context. For multifamily leaders, this means not just hearing the quarterly numbers or the feedback on a new PropTech innovation. It means understanding where they originate, what they imply for the future, and how they fit into the larger narrative of the company. By tuning into the subtext, multifamily leaders can anticipate challenges and seize opportunities before they become evident.
Delving into Emotions
While content provides the logical frame of a conversation, emotions give it color and depth. Emotions offer a peek into the speaker’s underlying feelings, motivations, and reservations. For instance, when a team discusses adopting a new solution or changing a process, it isn’t just about the features or benefits. It’s also about the team’s excitement, apprehensions, or reservations about the change.
Recognizing these emotions allows leaders to address underlying concerns, motivate teams effectively, and foster a culture of openness. It helps in understanding the ‘why’ behind the ‘what.’
Decoding Desires
The most subtle yet profound layer of conscious listening involves tuning into desires. This isn’t about overt wishes but deeper aspirations, ambitions, and long-term goals. When leaders discern these desires, they can align their strategy to serve immediate needs and use them to advance the organization toward the collective vision.
Imagine a conversation about incorporating a new marketing strategy in the multifamily space. On the surface, it might seem to be about increasing visibility or tenant engagement. But by listening consciously, a leader might realize it’s also about a desire to innovate, set the company apart, or even redefine multifamily marketing norms.
Conscious listening is a complex discipline. It’s an art that, when mastered, can move leaders into a deeper level of leadership—one where understanding content, emotions, and desires becomes second nature. It’s about transcending the noise, diving deep into conversations, and emerging with insights that can redefine leadership in the multifamily space. It takes time.
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Combatting the Diderot Effect in Leadership: A Guide for Success
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Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash
Let’s try and unpack a rarely discussed but hugely impactful topic: The Diderot Effect and its implications in leadership.
For the uninitiated, the Diderot Effect refers to the pattern of one purchase or change leading to a series of unanticipated subsequent changes. The name hails from Denis Diderot, an 18th-century French philosopher who wrote an essay on how the gift of a luxurious robe led him to upscale his entire lifestyle, leaving him in debt and despair.
Now, what does an 18th-century robe have to do with modern leadership? Quite a lot, in my opinion.
In leadership, the Diderot Effect often manifests as one change in a team or process leading to an unforeseen cascade of additional changes, which can create inconsistency, confusion, and a departure from core values. So, how do we, as leaders, prevent falling into this trap?
1. Recognize the Diderot Effect: Awareness is the first step. By understanding the concept and acknowledging its potential presence, you’re better equipped to recognize when you might be heading down a slippery slope.
2. Stay Grounded in Core Values: Every organization and leader has a set of core values. When faced with the prospect of change, assess its alignment with these values. Actively and continually ask yourself and your team if a decision or action aligns with your values. If something doesn’t fit, don’t do it.
3. Encourage Open Communication: Foster a culture where team members feel comfortable voicing their concerns. Sometimes, they’ll spot a potential Diderot spiral before you do. Make sure you are providing a psychologically safe space for people to communicate. This point is key.
4. Slow Down Decision-Making: Rapid, unchecked changes often lead to the Diderot Effect. Instead, take your time to weigh the pros and cons of each decision, understanding the long-term implications. Although the world is moving at warp speed, it does not mean you have to.
5. Maintain Cohesive Leadership: Leaders must present a united front. If leadership becomes fragmented, it’s easier for the Diderot Effect to creep in. Regularly sync with your leadership team, ensuring everyone is on the same page.
6. Train Your Eyes on the End Goal: While catching up in the whirlwind of day-to-day tasks is natural, keep your eyes on the overarching objectives. This helps ensure that any change you introduce is purposeful and aligned with the end goal. It’s so easy to get caught up working in the business that we forget to look up and ensure we are headed in the right direction.
7. Limit External Pressures: It’s not uncommon for leaders to feel pressured to implement changes based on industry trends or competitor movements. While it’s vital to remain aware and agile, it’s equally important not to adopt changes blindly. Filter out the noise and focus on what genuinely benefits your organization. Not every new and shiny PropTech tool is necessary or helpful. And don’t get me wrong, I like new and shiny PropTech tools. Just be prudent and not time-bound.
8. Conduct Regular Check-ins: Regularly review processes, changes, and their ripple effects regularly. This helps catch a potential Diderot spiral early and ensures you’re constantly refining and improving.
The essence of the Diderot Effect is not inherently negative. It simply underscores the interconnectedness of decisions and their potential impacts. By understanding its nuances and maintaining a proactive approach, leaders can navigate their teams successfully, ensuring consistency, clarity, and alignment with core objectives.
Remember, leadership isn’t about avoiding challenges; it’s about understanding them and developing strategies to tackle them head-on. Here’s to combatting the Diderot Effect and leading with clarity and purpose!