Making Work Worth Doing – Deep Listening: The Fundamental Tool for Client Encounters – 24 July

Jon Mullican , principal of Mullican Leadership Group 𝗧𝗵𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝟮4𝘁𝗵 𝗝uly 𝟭𝟬 𝗮𝗺 𝗣𝗧 for a session intended to explore the concept of deep listening, its importance in communication and organizational contexts, and to engage participants in experiential learning exercises to enhance their listening skills within sociotechnical systems practice.

 

Jon connected Deep Listening to managerial practices emphasizing its importance to improve employee engagement, retention and workplace relationships. The Sociotechnical System Roundtable’s values were aligned with listening’s role in fostering coordinated and responsible work environments.

Group discussion covered barriers to effective listening such as ego, habitual talking, insecurities and organizational dynamics. Positive listening intentions, non-judgment, and curiosity emerged as crucial attitudes. The role of silence and difference in listening were also examined.

 

Jon also presented a framework for preparing to listen summarized as C-L-E-A-R:

• Clear your mind
• Limit distractions
• Expect an exceptional experience
• Allow for silence
• Remember your purpose as a listener

 

With this framework, participants engaged in pairs to share personal stories about times when they truly felt heard. The exercise aimed to practice attentive and empathetic listening. Feedback highlighted the importance of presence, psychological safety and mindfulness in listening.