Listening 2by2: A Paradigm Shift for Leaders (That's When the Magic Happens!)

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.™ 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™ 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!

Tom Kaden is the co-founder/co-CEO of someone to Tell It To, and whose hope is to create and foster relationships with his co-workers that are deep, authentic, genuine, compassionate, and caring, helping them be their very best selves. Essentially, practicing and cultivating what the organization Someone To Tell It To preaches: everyone has a voice, everyone matters, and that we all need someone to tell it to in our lives. Tom wants to serve rather than be served, and listening is the most important way of putting others' needs ahead of his own. Tom is an INFJ, which means he is among the smallest personality types in the world and is a unique hybrid of a dreamer and a realist. He has a Master's of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a minor in Business Administration from Messiah College. His heart's desire and deepest passion is to connect with all types of people in a way that makes sense to them. He deeply cares about leadership, especially helping create work cultures that thrive by making everyone feel included, valued, and that their voices are heard. He wholeheartedly believes: to lead well you have to listen well, and listening well takes intentionality, practice, and discipline. He is married to Sarah, a registered nurse, and has four children: Lillian, Luke, and twins, Madelyn and Mya. They enjoy spending time with other married couples and helping them find joy and wholeness in their marriages. They live in Mt. Holly Springs, Pennsylvania. In his free time, he enjoys spending quality time with my family, hiking, kayaking, fly fishing, hunting, running, gardening, reading, writing, and all things New York sports (especially the Yankees!) He has had stories published in several Chicken Soup for the Soul books and blogs for Someone To Tell It To, and co-hosts the Someone To Tell It To Podcast, entering its fourth season.

Michael Gingerich is married to Katherine Walton Gingerich and is the father of three sons: Adam, David, and Matthew. He is also the grandfather of five: Lilyanna, Emma, Emmett, Elle, and Milo. He lives in Hershey, Pennsylvania and loves chocolate! Michael is passionate about fostering relationships of depth and about listening with intention to everyone he meets, both professionally and personally. He strives every day to be compassionate, gracious, generous, empathetic, and fully present wherever he is. He loves to read (especially biographies of people who have lived inspiring lives), to write, is moved by music and the arts, and keeps healthy by running, walking, and hiking as much as he can. He enjoys gardening, tennis, and being outdoors. He believes it's vital to have fun in life and to have a sense of humor in meeting life's challenges. He holds fast to a faith that teaches unconditional love, kindness, and humility. His heroes include Henri Nouwen and Fred (Mr.) Rogers. He finds the work and words of Dr. Brené Brown to be foundational. Michael is a graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania (B.A.) and Lancaster Theological Seminary (M.Div.) and am privileged to be involved in a mission that he co-founded and absolutely loves - Someone To Tell It To - co-leading with his closest friend, and a team of people who have hearts for servant leadership and caring about the emotional needs of others. He has had stories published in several Chicken Soup for the Soul books, blogs for Someone To Tell It To, and co-hosts the Someone To Tell It To Podcast which, as of this publication, is entering its fourth season.