Would you interrupt someone while they were taking a golf swing?
I certainly hope not!
You wait patiently and quietly. You watch. You give them space to finish.
So why do we interrupt people in conversation? Perhaps we are excited. We may think we know what they’re going to say, or we want to correct them in the moment. Maybe they are monopolizing the conversation. Another possibility is that we’re afraid we’ll forget our own ideas or thoughts.
Here’s the leadership lesson: When you interrupt, you may be communicating that your thought is more important than theirs.
Think Like a Golfer
An experienced golfer knows when to step up and when to wait. So do great communicators.
Before jumping in, focus on this: Pause. Listen. Observe their body language. Let them finish.
That brief pause demonstrates an attribute every leader should possess: self-control and respect for others.
As Stephen Covey inferred, listening isn't waiting for your turn to talk. It's trying to understand before you respond.
The next time you feel the urge to interrupt, think about the golf course: Don't step into someone else's swing. Give them the space to finish their thought. You might be surprised by what you hear.
Remember, pausing isn't passive. Sometimes the most powerful communication move is to let the other person finish, take a breath, and then respond.
What causes you to interrupt—and what strategies have helped you become a better listener?
Share your experience in the comments. Someone in your network may benefit from what you've learned.
If you know a leader who could use this reminder, share this newsletter with them.
Contact me at LKWilner@successfully-speaking.com to learn how to Speak, Sound, and Look Like a Leader.
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