The art of listening is an important leadership skill.
Most of us think we’re good listeners. The truth is, we’re not.
In meetings, our minds wander. In one-to-ones, we’re already forming our reply before the other person has finished. And under pressure, we sometimes hear only what we want to hear.
The cost of this is high. Teams feel ignored. Problems get missed until they become crises. And opportunities slip through our fingers because no one spotted the early signals.
On the other hand, when leaders listen well, everything changes. People feel valued and free to speak up.
Individuals share ideas, admit mistakes sooner, and bring energy to their work. Teams function better and leaders gain human insight that no report or dashboard can provide.
How to Become a Better Listener as a Leader
So how do you actually get better at listening?
A few practical techniques can make all the difference:
Give people your full attention. Put the phone down. Close the laptop. Look them in the eye. Presence matters more than you think.
Hold back your instinct to jump in. Let people finish. Pauses can feel uncomfortable, but often that’s when the real thought comes out.
Check your understanding. Repeat back what you’ve heard in your own words. Not word-for-word, but enough to show you’ve got the meaning.
Notice the non-verbal. Body language, tone, hesitation – all of these carry weight. Listen with your eyes as well as your ears.
Be curious and non-judgmental. Ask questions that go deeper. Don’t rush to fix or dismiss.
These aren’t the latest leadership gimmicks. They’re tried and tested habits. And like any habit, they get stronger the more you practise.
Leaders Known for Their Listening Skills
History gives us plenty of examples of leaders who earned respect through their ability to listen.
Abraham Lincoln was famous for his “team of rivals” approach. He brought people with opposing views into his cabinet and listened carefully before deciding.
Nelson Mandela often sat quietly in meetings, letting everyone else speak first. When he finally gave his view, people knew he had weighed every word he’d heard.
In business, Warren Buffett has said that one of the most important skills he developed was an instinct to constantly listen: to managers of his companies, to shareholders, or to everyday people whose insights shaped his decisions.
None of these leaders were perfect. But their willingness to listen set them apart.
Why Listening Matters More Than You Think
If you’re leading a business, a team, or even a project, the way you listen sets the tone.
People take their cue from you. If you rush, interrupt, or appear distracted, don’t be surprised when your team does the same to each other or to your customers.
But if you show that you value what others say, you create space for honesty, collaboration, and trust. That’s when people give their best.
In Summary
Listening isn’t soft or optional. It’s one of the hardest and most valuable leadership skills you can develop.
If you’d like to explore how leadership coaching can help you sharpen your listening skills and lead with greater impact, book a discovery call.
