Tuning in to the voices we don't even hear

Deepanshu Sharma

Jony Ive (actually, Sir Jonathan Paul Ive) is the design head for Apple so I'd trust him when he says that "One of the things that we've learnt is the importance of listening, because as we all know, the very best ideas can very often come from the quietest voice". Jony is just one of many who have suggested a similar thought, based on their own unique experiences.

Here's a question we all must ask of ourselves - "Who do we tend to listen to?" More often than not, it's either the 'loudest' or the 'senior-most' voice. The good and bad news is that this epidemic is not limited only to the young, inexperienced or less discerning. However, great leaders have mastered the skill of rising above the 'ranks and decibel levels', so that they can really unearth the best ideas, the best solutions, and as a consequence - unlock the best outcomes. 

Each one of us has our own way to suppress the knee jerk reaction of falling into the trap, but the simplest way is to deliberately create a culture which encourages diversity when hiring, while recognising, when it’s time to promote, irrespective of gender, race, sexual orientation… and even experience, cause when it comes to great ideas, there is never too little or too much of it (experience).

But this takes effort, and affirmative action - and above all, it must cascade down from the very top of the pyramid. Straight down from the big boss. 

So this is a call to all CEOs - take a hard look at your own style, and of your leadership team, and reflect on how often do you lend an ear to those quiet voices and encourage them to share their ideas and perspectives - and you just may unearth a brilliant idea which has been drowning so far in all the noise.

#Diversity #Leadership