TalkingContests

The best leaders I know can talk with the best of them - but they rarely do.  Rather, those leaders limit their talk.  They understand that very little learning occurs when they're talking.  They also understand that the success of their organization (and their own) is directly proportional to how much they can learn.

Thus, effective servant leaders DON'T let conversations between themselves and others turn into talking contests.  Rather, they ask powerful questions that invite others into substantive dialogue.  Then, they listen like crazy.  Next, they ask powerful questions that invite others into substantive dialogue.  Then, they listen like crazy.  Next, they ask...