There is a tendency for humans to listen with bias.  We hear more fully anything that already supports our beliefs.  We get into "either-or" listening patterns, missing important nuggets because they don't support what we already believe.  This filter distorts our commitment to active listening.

Great leaders fearlessly listen. They listen for what is NOT being said.  They open their mind, rebooting their brain so they can hear with fresh ears - and therefore gain valuable perspective.They encourage others not to use closed loop listening, so that all possibilities can be effectively explored. 

Closed loop, either-or thinking has it that someone is wrong and someone is right.  Fearless leaders operate without that distinction, in order to hear all options.  Beautiful work is created - something bigger and better than otherwise possible - by setting aside our beliefs and bias and truly investigating other views.

Coach Charrise