Information (or access to information) has a big impact on your success in any position or assignment. It helps you make informed decisions and also allows you to get involved.

Ideally, you want information to come to you; you want people to share with you but, chances are, it’s not going to be like that when you begin.

One of the best techniques I have found to open a new environment and obtain quality information is to go on a listening tour.

Politicians do it all the time… It shows they care, that they want people to feel involved but also gives them visibility and brings people to listen to them.

People like being listened to, they’ll be willing to share as long as you’re willing to listen and as long as they see value in doing so. Listening to others ultimately leads them to listen to you.