The 'O' in love stands for Observing. It's about being perceptive and attentive to the needs and feelings of others. Inclusive leaders use their powers of observation to identify not only what's being said but – and this bears repeating-- what's left unsaid. They pay attention to body language, subtle cues, and the emotional undercurrents within their team, allowing them to respond with empathy and insight.
It’s often been said that we’ve been given two ears and one mouth for a reason: use them in proportion. When you are truly listening, you can observe so much more of the interpersonal nuances interwoven into a conversation. And just before you jump into that space when the other person takes a breath, pause, and WAIT: Why Am I Talking? You’ll contribute so much more to the conversation if you refrain from jumping in and just continue to observe. Put this into practice until next week.