How much time do you spend talking vs. listening? Take a listen/talk ratio audit.
Communication involves talking and listening and is foundational to leadership. Ideally, An ideal ratio is 2:1 where you listen at least twice as much as talk. That’s why we have two ears and only one mouth.
I talk excessively when:
- I feel compelled to showcase my expertise and knowledge.
- I’m anxious and feel a lack of control in a situation.
- I’m insecure. Talking is a coping strategy for me.
Others may talk too much to over-compensate for poor listening skills, or when they feel pressured to provide guidance, when extroversion is a personality trait, or when they feel compelled to jockey for power in a competitive working environment.
Consequences of over-talking include:
- Being perceived as arrogant and thus a loss of respect.
- People not feeling understood.
- Missing important insights and understanding.
When you listen more than you talk you receive more information, build trust, make meaningful connections, and increase your impact when you speak.
We are better off when we increase our self-awareness about how much we talk vs. listen, develop better listening skills, practice more concise communication, and foster a more collaborative environment that encourages input from all team members.
