Companies face a huge need for transformation. When we aren’t progressing fast enough, we look for explanations or excuses. Problems usually appear as a lack of collaboration, a slow pace of innovation, and a silo way of working. Instinctively we blame inefficient structures and processes or the roles and responsibilities.
But there is one thing we could start with right here and now, without introducing another new committee, redesigning the organization, or even touching the chain of command. We can start to listen to each other.
Picture this. You are in a meeting sharing your reflections. While still talking, your colleague across the table leans forward, stretches the spine, and opens the mouth repeatedly, preparing to cut in as soon as there is only a fraction of a second of silence. Here you go: meet the seagull. The seagulls often start with “Yes, but..” indirectly sending the message of not listening to what you are saying. Without any interest in what was just said, another ‘seagull’ adds a new perspective on a similar topic. The energy slowly fades out.
We need to start talking about how we talk and listen to each other.
