The Listening Cycle: Closing the Loop
- Author:
- Word Count: 454
Read the news article
Over the last four weeks, I’ve elaborated on what I call the Closing the Loop. You can find the articles here. This consists of:
- Step 1: Recognizing the Unsaid – Unspoken things in your culture’s organization to recognize that your people aren’t telling their entire truth.
- Step 2: Seeking to Understand – Leaning in to understand someone’s perspective and really hearing them.
- Step 3: Decode – Taking time to reflect, investigate, and then ponder about the feedback you have been given and what to do about it.
- Step 4: Act – Acting upon what you’ve heard, so your people know their voices are powerful and that you will do something about the feedback that is given.
- Step 5: Closing the Loop – Connecting the dots by sharing what you’ve heard and the actions you’re taking.
I think, often, leaders don’t put in the time to truly learn how to listen because it may seem primal. But, the truth is, truly listening is something most leaders don’t know how to do.
Think about it – have you ever had a manager who really listened to you?
In this video, I break down what it means to connect the dots from the very beginning of the process to the very end.
Plus, I tell you about the extremely rewarding results that closing the loop has.
Hint, hint: it makes team members feel valued, heard, and included because they know that their feedback was taken into consideration and actions were taken as a result.
The Listening Cycle: Closing the Loop
I want to challenge you to write down (or think) about a time when:
You felt that your manager truly listened to you
You felt like your voice was not heard
Let’s think about how this made you feel.
Now that you have these two distinct feelings in mind, you will better understand how important completing the five steps in the listening process is.
You wouldn’t want to make someone feel like you did when your voice was not heard, right?
Of course not! So, I encourage you to take the initiative and create a Culture of Listening in your organization.
Heather R Younger is a highly sought-after speaker, 2x-TEDx speaker, diversity, equity, and inclusion strategist, and contributor to leading news outlets. She is also the Founder and CEO of Employee Fanatix, a leading employee engagement and consulting firm.
After over 25,000 employee engagement surveys and years of working with organizations to transform employee engagement, here’s what Heather has seen over and over:
When you know how to listen, employees will tell you exactly what they need to bring their full selves to work for Closing the Loop.
Contact us at Speakers Inc and view WeSpeak Global
Further articles you may enjoy:
- (50)
“Technology is exponential but humans are not and can do great things, but it does not WANT to do great things – it does not want anything” says Apple’s CEO Tim Cook (a quote I have often used in my talks). Technology is a tool not a purpose – see my ‘carpenter and the hammer […]
- January 9, 2023
- (3)
Authentic Leadership Building Trust, Connection and Productivity in Corporate Culture Authentic leadership is more than a buzzword; it’s a powerful approach to building trust, enhancing communication, and fostering a culture where people feel safe, valued, and genuinely engaged. At its core, authentic leadership is about leading with integrity, self-awareness, and transparency. It doesn’t mean being […]
- October 28, 2024
- (41)
In an era where customer expectations are higher than ever, many Retail Businesses Are Failing at Customer Service and experience. Despite technological advancements and increased competition, the quality of customer interactions has seen a noticeable decline. The Failing at Customer Service Quality Recent studies highlight a troubling trend: customer satisfaction is at a decade low. […]
- April 22, 2025
- (41)
Wildlife motivational speakers are unique in the world of keynote speakers. They draw from the wonders of nature and their experiences in the wild to inspire and motivate audiences. These speakers often possess backgrounds as conservationists, wildlife experts, adventurers, and environmentalists. Their messages are not only about protecting the planet but also about leadership, resilience, […]
- August 15, 2024
- (14)
Make Your Email Subject and Content Fun, Compelling, Curious, and Commanding To Get Quicker Responses that Pay Off! By Joy Baldridge Have you ever been surprised or frustrated by how few return emails you receive when reaching out to your prospects and customers/clients? Responsiveness is at an all-time low. Everyone is overwhelmed and inundated with emails. […]
- December 19, 2022
- (15)
Speakers Inc is available to offer you our LGBTQ Pride Speakers who offer Inspirational Leadership keynotes to open or close your next leadership and medical event or conference. Speakers Inc is a leading All American Speakers Bureau for motivational speakers that delivers keynotes over 400 times per year. Our LGBTQ and Pride Speakers are available […]
- December 21, 2022
- (15)
Celebrating African American History Month: A Spotlight on Black Keynote Speakers and Their Impact February is a month dedicated to honoring the rich heritage, achievements, and contributions of African Americans. African American History Month, also known as Black History Month, serves as a poignant reminder of the struggles, triumphs, and resilience of the African American […]
- January 31, 2024
- (42)
Why Speakers Inc is the Top Speakers Bureau in California and Orange County When it comes to selecting the perfect speaker for an event, the choice can significantly impact its success. In the competitive world of event planning, the right speaker can captivate an audience, spark meaningful conversations, and leave a lasting impression. This is […]
- August 6, 2024
