Devoted to Managers and those that seek to improve their management skills

"...the discipline of writing everything down ensures that I have to listen to people carefully."

I like the two-sided practical value in what Branson says here. Not only does he take down notes to read later, but he also uses the notes to develop the discipline of listening to what people have to say.

We've talked a number of times of the value great managers put in the input their employees make, but it's worthless if it's lost after talking about it. That's obviously the value of writing things down.

Branson said about this, "As anyone in my office knows when I've lost it, my most essential possession is a standard-sized school notebook. I carry this everywhere and write down comments made to me by Virgin staff and anyone else I meet.

"I make notes of all telephone conversations and all meetings, and I draft our letters to send and lists of telephone calls to make. Over the years I have worked my way through a bookcase of them ..."

What our people and other people have to say is much too valuable to trust to memory alone, and the discipline of listening to people is of great value and appreciation to the people talking in that they know you're taking in what they're saying.

These aren't just "soft" issues either. I've watched business owners and managers that have been given great input not respond to the input based upon the fact that they didn't write down what was said and weren't able to remember many of the details or overarching ideas.

I especially like this because it's something I've done for years and literally have notebooks full of ideas and insights that have been communicated to me. It's a great habit to develop and use for anyone in a leadership position, or any position for that matter.

Other Richard Branson Resources:

Branson on Branson

The Gonzo Way of Branding

Richard Branson's Virgin Success

Thoroughly postmodern billionaire
 
Richard Branson's latest adventure will take Virgin into space

Richard Branson - Life - Philanthropy - Money

Richard Branson, Business Personality

Personal quotes

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