There comes a time when change must occur. As a process, change has many moving parts, several personalities, and an atmosphere that can foster uncertainty and fear.
However, there is a simple act that can send shock waves through an organization to steady the flow of uncertainty, mitigate fear, and clear a path for a collaborative transformation. That act is - Listening. Learn to listen well and open the doors to communication, collaboration, innovation, and corporate problem-solving.
This is the story of Jeffrey, a CEO of a local business who has been given an ultimatum by one of his top employees - who also happens to be a member of the C-Suite. Jaime, who is normally cooperative, engaging, level-headed, and a person who gets the job done, has declared a need for change in the organization, or she will have to leave.
In his quest to keep his best employee, and, he came to realize, most trusted confidante, Jeffrey has called upon the Listeners: Vivian and Cecile. Together they walk on the path to listening, teach Jeffrey how to implement the L.I.S.T.E.N.(TM) tenets to improve communication not only at work, but also at home (where Jeffrey is also trying to fend off an impending ultimatum).
Throughout their time together, Vivian and Cecile, the founders of a leadership development company, demonstrate the strength of the Listening 2by2(TM) leader and communication development business model they have taught others to implement.
Challenged in the middle of the sessions by a pandemic which demanded the use of technology to communicate - adding an additional layer to the importance of using L.I.S.T.E.N. - they adapt.
Jeffrey continues to evolve and remember the leader he used to be and wants to introduce to those who work for him as well as his family. He realizes that change does not happen because it is on a list of things to do. Listening takes intention, it takes patience. And, when no longer considered a soft skill but an integral part of communication and culture, that's when the magic happens!