The Superpower of Listening: Ascending the Four Levels of Mastery
sent by Siddharth Anantharam | July 28, 2023
sent by Siddharth Anantharam
July 28, 2023
In an increasingly complex world, I have realized that the act of LISTENING DEEPLY is one of the simplest but most invaluable superpowers.
And here’s the best part – it is a skill that any entrepreneur, coach or creative visionary can learn to master if they really choose to.
Are you aware that listening encapsulates 4 distinct tiers?
Recognizing the tier at which you primarily listen is an excellent initial step towards bolstering your skill.
These 4 unique tiers of listening were identified by MIT scholar Otto Scharmer – indicating that the deeper your level, the more effectively you engage in conversation with another individual.
Listening Tier 1: Downloading
Absorbing what you are already AWARE of.
It’s when you are physically there but mentally elsewhere, ruminating on your tasks for the day or dinner plans. It also applies when you participate in a discussion where you already presume to predict the speaker’s points. You’re diverted, attempting to fast-track the interaction, resulting in no new insights gained, no information learned, no beliefs challenged.
If you’ve encountered an obstinate boss or friend who consistently fails to appreciate your perspective, they are likely operating at this tier of listening.
Listening Tier 2: Factual Listening
Attuning to what you DON’T KNOW. Focusing on FACTS and fresh INSIGHTS.
Tier Two Listening can facilitate a compelling debate since it confronts your preconceived beliefs. Post-discussion, you are enriched with fresh insights that potentially question your existing presumptions.
If you find yourself in a spirited dispute or attempting to acquire a new skill, you are functioning at this level of listening.
Listening Tier 3: Empathic Listening
Hearing beyond the FACTS, to comprehend SUBTLETIES, SENTIMENTS, and EMOTIONS.
With Tier Three Listening, you establish a deeper emotional bond with the speaker and discern the unspoken cues by “reading between the lines”. This ability to empathize and see matters from their vantage point fosters a more profound emotional bond.
If, during a meeting, you comprehend not just the data from your colleague but also their sentiments, you’re employing this level of listening.
Listening Tier 4: Generative Listening
Attuning to the nascent potentialities of the future.
This is the zenith of listening, where you transform yourself into a conduit to BIRTH unprecedented possibilities.
At this level, you listen from a space of profound tranquillity and presence. You listen not just to the ongoing conversation but also to a budding possibility that springs from it.
If a brainstorming session at work resulted in a novel innovation or breakthrough concept, it’s likely that most participants were employing this level of listening.
Alright coaches, let’s take this listening game up a notch.
It’s not just about hearing words, it’s about tapping into the unsaid, feeling the emotions, and unlocking potential. Remember, breakthroughs come when we ascend to empathic and generative listening.
Now, here’s the challenge – reflect on where you’re at and then put this wisdom into action. Let’s revolutionize our dialogues and redefine our relationships together.
I want to hear from you. What’s your take? What level of listening do you find yourself at most often?
Drop your thoughts in the comments below.
Let’s use our collective power to transform our communication landscape.
Here’s to forging deeper connections!
Onward and upward, folks!
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👉 In my observation, the majority of individuals typically operate at Tiers 1 & 2 throughout their lives. However, those who frequently engage in Tiers 3 & 4 tend to be among the most eloquent communicators I’ve known.