Why Listening Is Your Most Underrated Power Move
Raise your hand if you’ve ever been called a talker. Guilty? Me too.
In fact, when I was a kid, a teacher once told me I’d never amount to much because I talked too much. Joke’s on them—I turned that into a career as a keynote speaker. Talking became my thing. But here’s what I’ve learned since those classroom days…
Talking is not the same as connecting.
And in today’s world of digital overload, non-stop notifications, and fast-paced everything, connection isn’t just nice—it’s necessary.
As a former therapist, leadership coach, and human behavior expert, I can tell you this: the people who lead the best, sell the best, and parent the best all have one thing in common. It’s not their charisma. It’s not their resume. It’s not even how well they talk.
It’s how well they listen.
The Leadership Skill No One Talks About (Enough)
In today’s workplace—and let’s be honest, in life—people are overwhelmed, misunderstood, and frankly, a little burned out. They don’t want another meeting, another monologue, or another person interrupting them mid-sentence to “fix” the problem before they finish explaining it.
They want to be heard. They want to be seen. They want to feel safe enough to say what they really mean.
And if you’re always the one talking, you’re not just missing the point—you’re missing the real conversation.
Let me give you a real-life example.
The Power of a Pause
Years ago, my teenage daughter came to me and said her friend had been to a party and drank too much. Classic parenting moment, right? The knee-jerk response would be something like: “If I ever catch you doing that…”
But here’s the thing. That would’ve ended the conversation before it really began.
Instead, I said, “Hmm…”
That pause? That tiny moment of not reacting? It gave her the space to keep talking. And what she eventually asked me was, “If I’m in trouble, is it safe to call you?”
That was the real question. And if I had jumped into lecture mode, I never would’ve heard it.
Now think about your role as a leader. If a team member comes to you with a concern and you immediately shift into “solution mode” or start talking over them to show how much you know, what vital truth are you missing? What trust are you breaking?
A Quick Listening Strategy for Stronger Conversations
Here’s a challenge: The next time you’re in a conversation—whether it’s with a client, your child, a colleague, or a team member—practice this three-part listening strategy:
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Pause before you speak. Even if you think you know what’s coming, wait. A 3-second pause can change the direction of an entire conversation.
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Use curiosity as your compass. Ask one more question than you normally would. Let them reveal more than the surface story.
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Reflect what you hear. “What I’m hearing is…” or “It sounds like you’re saying…” validates the speaker and confirms you’re tuned in.
Why This Matters Now More Than Ever
In a world flooded with noise—social media noise, market noise, legal noise—real communication is a competitive edge. Whether you’re trying to lead a team, win a client, repair a relationship, or guide your family, listening isn’t just a soft skill.
It’s a power move.
Because people don’t follow the loudest voice in the room. They follow the one who truly hears them.
Watch this to learn more…
Ready to Turn Listening Into Your Leadership Superpower?
If your team isn’t talking to you, they’re probably talking about you. The difference? Your ability to create a space where people feel heard. I have helped thousands of leaders stop missing the message and start mastering the kind of communication that builds trust, loyalty, and results.
Let’s connect. Bring me in to teach your leaders how to listen with intention, respond with clarity, and lead with influence. Because when you stop talking so much—and start listening like it matters—everything changes.
