The Leadership Superpower You Didn’t Know You Had: The Art of Listening

The Leadership Superpower You Didn’t Know You Had: The Art of Listening

By Mark Wager

“The most basic of all human needs is the need to understand and be understood. The best way to understand people is to listen to them.” - Ralph Nichols

In my experience, the best leaders are also the best listeners. Listening is often overshadowed by other leadership qualities like decision-making or strategic thinking, but it is an essential and often underestimated skill. We spend so much time learning what to say, how to say it, and when to say it, but communication becomes meaningless if we aren’t willing to listen.

Listening is not just about gathering information; it’s about creating connection. When leaders truly listen, it sends a powerful message: I value you, I care about you, and I respect you.

Listening Drives Productivity

“Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.” - Sir Winston Churchill

One of the clearest demonstrations of the power of listening comes from a famous study conducted in a factory in Hawthorne, a suburb of Chicago, Illinois. Researchers initially set out to determine the ideal temperature for productivity. They engaged with employees, asked for their input, and adjusted the temperature. Surprisingly, productivity increased.

Encouraged by the results, they consulted the employees again, raised the temperature further, and saw another rise in productivity. The researchers then reversed the process, lowering the temperature incrementally after seeking feedback, and again, productivity increased. This pattern continued regardless of whether the temperature went up or down.

Why? The change in productivity wasn’t about the temperature at all. It was about the employees feeling heard. The simple act of listening to their opinions made them feel valued, and this sense of value translated into higher motivation and productivity.

This phenomenon, later coined the “Hawthorne Effect,” highlights an important truth: when people feel seen and heard, they perform at their best.

Listening is the Foundation of Leadership

“Leaders who refuse to listen will soon find themselves surrounded by people with nothing to say.” – Andy Stanley

Leadership is about influence, and influence requires trust. Listening is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to build that trust. When leaders listen to their teams, they demonstrate care and respect. They signal that every voice matters, and in doing so, they create an environment where people feel safe to express ideas, share concerns, and contribute meaningfully.

Listening doesn’t require grand gestures or complex strategies—it’s the small, consistent actions that make the difference. I once worked for a leader who, every time we sat down to talk, would turn off his mobile phone and place it on the table. It was a small gesture, but it made a profound impact. It told me that I had his undivided attention. To this day, I use the same technique when I coach others.

True listening is active, not passive. It involves putting aside distractions, asking thoughtful questions, and seeking to understand the other person’s perspective. As Dale Carnegie wrote in How to Win Friends and Influence People, being a good listener means encouraging others to talk about themselves, showing genuine interest, and trying to see the world through their eyes.

The Emotional Impact of Listening

Great leaders understand that leadership is not just about what you do; it’s about how you make people feel. Most people don’t remember everything a leader says, but they always remember how a leader made them feel. Listening has the power to make people feel valued, supported, and inspired.

When leaders listen, they empower their teams. They create an atmosphere of mutual respect and collaboration where people feel safe to innovate and take risks. This is why listening is not just a communication skill—it’s a leadership superpower.

Practical Tips for Becoming a Better Listener

If you want to be a leader who listens, start by making small but meaningful changes:

• Eliminate distractions: Turn off your phone or put it away when having important conversations. If you can’t, explain why and assure the person of your attention.

• Show that you’re listening: Use body language like nodding or maintaining eye contact. Summarise what the person has said to confirm your understanding.

• Ask thoughtful questions: Dig deeper into what the other person is saying to show genuine interest.

• Be present: Give people your full attention. Don’t think about how you’re going to respond; instead, focus entirely on what they’re saying.

Listening is more than hearing words—it’s about understanding emotions, intentions, and concerns. By doing so, you can uncover issues before they escalate, identify opportunities others miss, and build trust that strengthens your leadership.

Listening in Action

Peter Nulty once wrote: “Of all the skills of leadership, listening is the most valuable—and one of the least understood. Most captains of industry listen only sometimes, and they remain ordinary leaders. But a few, the great ones, never stop listening. That’s how they get word before anyone else of unseen problems and opportunities.”

The ability to listen not only strengthens relationships but also allows leaders to anticipate challenges and seize opportunities. Leaders who actively listen are more attuned to the pulse of their organisation, enabling them to make informed decisions that reflect the needs and aspirations of their teams.

The Transformative Power of Listening

When leaders truly listen, they transform the workplace. They turn teams into communities where people feel valued and motivated. They foster a culture of trust and collaboration where innovation thrives. And most importantly, they lead by example, showing that great leadership begins with the humility to listen.

If you want to be a great leader, start by becoming a great listener. As Ralph Nichols reminds us, the foundation of human connection lies in understanding and being understood. Listening is where that connection begins.

“The true power of listening lies in how we make our listeners feel. The ability to listen is an important part of leadership. It provides the leader with the power to empower, motivate and increase productivity.”