Country Club Living - Palm Beach North - March 2026

14 C O U N T R Y C L U B L I V I N G - PA L M B E A C H N O R T H | M A R C H 2 0 2 6 H ave you ever found yourself in a conversation where the other person is simply waiting for their turn to speak, and it is noticeable? Their body language sends a message, "please finish so I can tell you what I know". Or perhaps you've even been guilty of this yourself. As the leader, you have plenty of distractions and pressing matters. In the fast-paced world we live and work in, it has become more difficult to give undivided attention to someone. Interestingly enough, listening has become a lost art, yet it is the cornerstone of effective communication. The beauty of listening lies in its simplicity. All that is required is to be present and locked in to what the other person is saying. While it can be challenging at times, as stated above, we must practice and be intentional. So, how do you master the skill of being present and being interested with sincerity? I have found the first key is to stop thinking of the conversation as a tennis match. (He scored, now my turn). Instead, think of your role as a detective. Remember Detective Columbo (Peter Falk)? He was a master at curiosity and listening, following his questions. Next, enter the conversation with the mindset that this will be a learning experience. Your focus on the other person with no interruptions and no phones in sight creates a better listening and learning environment Have you ever been in a conversation with someone and they made you feel that you were the most important person in the world at that moment? Herein lies the old axiom BE MORE INTERESTED THAN INTERESTING. Let me share a quote with you from Mary Kay Ash, founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics: "Everyone has an invisible sign hanging from their neck saying MAKE ME FEEL IMPORTANT". There is no question that the best way to make someone feel important is to listen intently. You foster trust by showing genuine interest in what the other person is saying. It's like extending an olive branch in the conversation, inviting the other person to open up, and, in doing so, deepening the connection with them. I have learned that trust is the currency paid for the relationship. Trust is also the currency paid for leadership. As you can see, what you have been reading is nothing you are not aware of and know. However, I believe it is well worth a reminder to all leaders to be intentional in improving their underrated listening skills. It is the cornerstone of communication and a key leadership competency to master. Bob Fashano is the founder of Lead One Consulting, LLC, an executive Coaching and Leadership Development Company located in Palm Beach Gardens. Bob Is a certified Executive Coach from the Center for Executive Coaching and a member of the International Coaching Federation. He is the author of a recently released book, "Make Today Your Masterpiece" and a new book to be released in the second quarter of 2025. He serves on the Keiser Flagship Advisory Counsel. COMMUNITY AN UNDERRATED SKILL - By Bob Fashano -