Listening as a Catalyst for Leadership Growth

Do you know why some leaders inspire while others merely manage? The difference is active listening. Leadership isn’t a one-way street. It’s a dialogue: a continuous exchange that strengthens teams, builds trust, and fuels growth. And it all begins with active listening. Leaders who listen inspire their teams to give their best. Research shows just how much listening matters: Gallup reports that employees who feel heard are 4.6 times more likely to perform at their best. On the flip side, poor listening accounts for 60% of workplace misunderstandings and errors. Here’s what I focus on to ensure I’m leading with my ears as much as my words: ✅ Put distractions aside: Phones down, laptops closed. When someone speaks, my attention is fully theirs. ✅ Ask open-ended questions: Ones that go beyond surface answers and invite deeper perspectives. ✅ Engage visibly: I make eye contact, nod, and use small cues to show I’m following along and valuing each word. These might seem like small habits, but they make a big impact. They build trust and make people feel valued, and it’s something I believe every leader should adopt. Listening is the bedrock of genuine leadership. When your team knows their voices matter, you foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and growth. Because, ultimately, leaders who don’t listen will eventually surround themselves with people who have nothing to say. #ActiveListening #InspiringTeams #EmployeeEngagement #CultureOfTrust

💡𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗼𝗿 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗪𝗮𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗸? As technical experts, leaders are often very skilled at presenting complex information. But communication isn't just about talking—it's about truly hearing what others are saying. As an executive coach and management professor, I've observed that the most transformative leaders are often those who have mastered the art of active listening. Active listening is more than a soft skill—it's a strategic leadership competency that can revolutionize workplace dynamics, boost employee engagement, and drive organizational performance. Let me break down five critical components of active listening that can turn ordinary managers into exceptional leaders: 1️⃣ 𝘼𝙫𝙤𝙞𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙅𝙪𝙙𝙜𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩: Create an open channel for learning and connection - Suspend your preconceptions and personal biases. - Approach conversations with genuine curiosity and openness. - Recognize that your role is to understand, not to immediately evaluate or critique. 2️⃣ 𝘼𝙘𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬𝙡𝙚𝙙𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙜: Validate the speaker's experience - Use non-verbal cues like maintaining eye contact and nodding. - Provide verbal affirmations that demonstrate you're actively engaged, paying attention, and interested in what they are saying. - Reflect back emotions you're sensing to show deep empathy and understanding. 3️⃣ 𝘼𝙨𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙌𝙪𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨: Dive deeper into understanding - Craft open-ended questions that invite meaningful dialogue. - Use probing questions to uncover underlying motivations and perspectives. - Show genuine interest in the speaker's thought process, not just the surface-level information. 4️⃣ 𝘾𝙝𝙚𝙘𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙐𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜: Ensure you're on the same page - Paraphrase key points to confirm your interpretation. - Ask clarifying questions to eliminate potential misunderstandings. - Demonstrate that you've not just heard, but truly comprehended the message. 5️⃣ 𝙍𝙚𝙨𝙥𝙤𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜: Provide thoughtful, constructive feedback - Respond with empathy and respect. - Offer insights that build upon the speaker's perspective. - Create a collaborative dialogue that moves toward solutions. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗼𝗺 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗲 Active listening is a powerful leadership skill that can transform organizational culture. It builds trust, enhances collaboration, and creates an environment where employees feel genuinely heard and valued. This week I'm training senior leaders at the World Health Organization how to give and receive feedback skillfully. If you are interested in elevating your organization's communication and performance, let's connect and discuss how we can unlock your team's full potential. 💡 Leadership Development Workshops 🔍 Executive Coaching 📊 Performance Management & Coaching Skills Training #LeadershipDevelopment #ActiveListening #Feedback #ExecutiveCoaching

💛 𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗕𝗼𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗕𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗼𝗻: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁 💛 𝙀𝙭𝙚𝙘𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 often brings to mind confidence, charisma, and the ability to command a room. But true presence goes beyond merely speaking well—it’s about 𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 and 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗺. 💛I love the 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿 "𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻" (“聽“ pronounced tīng). Listening is an art. The character symbolizes listening with our ear (耳) as you would pay attention to the king (王) 👑 a call to elevate listening to royal importance. In listening, we observing with our eyes (目) and listening from the heart (心), giving full focus on the person (ten is completion) (十). 💛 𝗔𝗹𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘁 𝗠𝗲𝗵𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗮𝗻’𝘀 𝟳-𝟯𝟴-𝟱𝟱 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗺𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗹 Words account for only 7% of our spoken message, while 38% comes from tone and voice, and a massive 55% from body language. If leaders listen only to words, they miss over 90% of what’s truly being communicated! To genuinely connect, we must tune in not just to the content but also to the tone, emotions, and unspoken signals in the room. Too often, leaders default to delivering a message one way, projecting their ideas without tuning into the signals around them. When we read our audience with an open mind and heart, we get a clearer picture of what’s really happening within our teams, with our customers, and throughout our organization. Actively listening is how we adapt and thrive. 💛 That is why coaching is the foundation of strong leadership. Before I launched my leadership programs, I began with an International Coaching Federation (ICF) coach certification program. Learning to listen at every level—words, body language, and tone—means that as leaders, we don’t just give instructions; we hear and understand. And that’s how we truly lead. 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗪𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲: 👑 #𝟭 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗘𝘆𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁 Focus fully on the speaker—eye contact, nodding, and an open posture signal that you’re present. Listen not to respond but to understand. 👑 #𝟮 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗘𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗱𝘀 Be attuned to shifts in tone and pace. Often, emotions tell us more than the words themselves. 👑 #𝟯 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁 Recap what you’ve understood and check if you got it right. This shows respect, encourages open dialogue, and ensures you’re truly on the same page. "𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙥𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙛𝙪𝙡 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧 𝙞𝙨 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙖𝙠𝙨 𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙨 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚, 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙡𝙮 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙨, 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙫𝙤𝙞𝙘𝙚 𝙥𝙚𝙤𝙥𝙡𝙚 𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙨𝙩." 𝘼𝙣𝙣𝙚 𝙋𝙝𝙚𝙮 How do you practice listening as a leader? Share your thoughts below! #ExecutivePresence #Listen #LeadershipSkills #Coaching #Speaker #Leadership #Trainer #Coach #trust

When was the last time you truly felt heard? Now, think about this: Do your team members feel the same way when they speak to you? As leaders, we often focus on what to say, but the real game-changer? How we listen. In my work with executives, I’ve seen the ripple effect of active listening—it builds trust, deepens relationships, and inspires action. Here’s how you can elevate your listening skills: 1️⃣ Be Present: Put down your phone, close your laptop, and give your team the gift of undivided attention. It’s simple but powerful. 2️⃣ Listen Beyond Words: Sometimes, what’s unsaid is just as important as what’s spoken. Pay attention to tone, body language, and hesitation. 3️⃣ Respond, Don’t React: Instead of jumping in with a solution, ask questions like, “Can you tell me more about that?” This shows you value their perspective. The Impact: When leaders listen actively, they send a clear message: You matter. Your ideas matter. This fosters loyalty and encourages open communication. Have you ever had a moment where truly listening changed the outcome of a conversation? Share your story in the comments—I’d love to hear it! DM me to explore how you can master communication skills that inspire trust and drive results. #LeadershipTips #ActiveListening #TrustInLeadership #ConfidentCommunication 

I often get asked about the key to great leadership. People expect me to talk about strategies, skills, or even personality traits. But in my experience, the most impactful leaders I've known all share one thing: they're expert listeners. Too often, we think of leadership as being the one with all the answers. The one who directs, decides, and delivers. But true leadership isn't about having a monologue; it's about creating a dialogue. It's about being present and genuinely hearing what your team has to say, their ideas, their concerns, their insights. When you make listening your priority, something powerful happens. You stop managing from a distance and start leading from within the team. You gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities on the ground. Most importantly, you build trust. People feel seen and valued, and that psychological safety is the bedrock of innovation and high performance. I've learned that the best ideas don't always come from the top. They often come from the frontline, from the people who are closest to the work. Our role as leaders is to tune in, amplify their voices, and clear the path so they can succeed. So, if you want to lead more effectively, try talking less and listening more. You might be surprised by what you hear.

What If I Told You Your Pride Is Silently Sabotaging Your Influence? I learned this the hard way. Last year, I sat in a meeting where someone presented an idea that clashed with everything I believed was the right direction. Instead of listening with intent, I mentally dismissed them before they even finished. Why? Because I was too focused on being right instead of being open. That moment cost us time, team trust, and missed opportunities. Here’s the truth: You can’t grow influence, build leadership trust, or create real connection if your pride is doing the listening for you. Why This Matters: In a world where active listening is now a top leadership skill (Forbes reports it’s linked to 40% higher team engagement), tuning people out—especially when you disagree—isn’t just unwise, it’s unsustainable. People can feel when they’re being dismissed. And leaders who don’t listen, lose followers. Are You Making This Mistake? Ask yourself: • Do I only fully listen when I already agree with the speaker? • Do I interrupt, correct, or internally argue before someone finishes their thought? • Have I stopped being curious? If you said “yes” to even one, keep reading. Next time you feel that internal pushback, try this: 1. Pause. Take a breath before you react. 2. Repeat. Summarize what they said back to them. 3. Reflect. Ask, “What if they’re right about part of this?” Not only will this rewire your listening habits, it’ll earn you real trust and credibility—the kind that builds long-term influence. If you do this consistently for just 7 days, you’ll start seeing better conversations, stronger connections, and more creative outcomes. Guaranteed. If you’re a leader, manager, or someone who wants to grow in influence—whether you’re a CEO or just stepping into your first team lead role—this message is for you. And yes, it’s hard—but it’s worth it. If this hit home for you, drop a “Listening > Pride” in the comments, and let’s talk. Or better yet—tag someone who models active listening well and let them know they’ve made an impact. You don’t have to agree to listen. But you do have to listen if you want to lead. #LeadershipDevelopment #ExecutiveCoaching #ActiveListening

When it comes to leadership effectiveness, there's one pattern that consistently emerges: the best leaders listen more than they speak. After 25 years in staffing and technology, I've learned that my most valuable insights rarely come from my own voice—they come from intentionally listening to my team. At Newbury Partners, we've built our culture around this principle. The reality is, when you reach the CEO chair, there's pressure to have all the answers. But sustainable growth comes from creating space where every team member feels their voice matters.  This isn't just good culture—it's good business. From my experience working with staffing firms, the companies that outperform in challenging markets are those where leadership prioritizes open communication channels in both directions. When we truly listen first, we don't just solve today's challenges—we anticipate tomorrow's opportunities. 

Growth is about doing - but first, it’s about listening. If you’re not listening, you’re not leading.  You’re reacting. Listening isn’t soft.  It’s one of the sharpest execution tools I use as a growth leader. Some of the most important moves I’ve made didn’t come from saying the right thing,  They came from hearing signals, noticing patterns, and acting with purpose. There are many places to pick up those signals - but I focus on four: ✅ Listening to Teams → Reveals who’s ready to step up - and where ownership breaks down. → Helps me catch early signs of friction before they become blockers. ✅ Listening to Customers → Tells me where the market is headed - and of course, where my product is most useful. → Allows me to evolve before I’m forced to pivot. ✅ Listening to Data → Helps me cut through the noise and focus on real signals. → This is where I catch inefficiencies before they slow us down. ✅ Listening to My Wife 🤩   → I’ve learned the hard way: she’s always right. → And if she says I’m not listening… well, that’s my cue to start. Here’s the part most people miss: You can’t fix fast if you don’t listen well. I do listen to be polite. But I also listen to move faster. To spot risk sooner. To scale without chaos. If you want sharper execution, start by listening better. What’s the last piece of feedback or data you truly listened to - and acted on? * * * ♻️ Share and repost if you agree Follow me, David Manela, for more 📈

The best leaders I know have mastered one underrated skill: intentional listening Early in my career, I thought leadership meant having all the answers and speaking with authority in every meeting. I was wrong. The turning point came when I started genuinely listening—not just waiting for my turn to talk, but truly hearing what my team was saying. Here's what changed: • I discovered solutions I never would have thought of on my own • Team members felt more valued and engaged in their work • Problems surfaced earlier, when they were easier to solve • Trust deepened across the entire organization Intentional listening isn't passive. It means asking follow-up questions, creating space for quieter voices, and sometimes sitting with uncomfortable silence until the real issues emerge. The most powerful thing a leader can say isn't a brilliant insight—it's often "Tell me more about that." What's one time listening changed your perspective as a leader? ♻️ Repost to help others in your network and ▶️ Follow me @NicholasColisto for more leadership tips #Leadership #Listening #TeamDevelopment #Management #Growth

👂 One of the greatest superpowers in leadership isn’t speaking… it’s listening. In this photo from the Hertz Road to Success Leadership Program, I’m the trainer — but at that moment, I wasn’t talking. I was listening. Because leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about creating space for others to share theirs. When leaders listen: ➡️ People feel valued. ➡️ Better ideas surface. ➡️ Trust and engagement grow. Here are a few simple ways to strengthen your listening muscles as a leader: 1️⃣ Track your talk-to-listen ratio. Ask someone to time how much you speak vs. listen in meetings. The results may surprise you. 2️⃣ Pause before responding. Give the other person room to finish — and yourself time to process. 3️⃣ Ask open-ended questions. Replace “yes/no” with “tell me more about…” 4️⃣ Show you’re listening. Eye contact, notes, or a quick summary of what you heard builds trust. Great leaders don’t just talk about culture, strategy, or results. They listen them into existence. #Hertz #leadership #ACIL #leaderslisten