Meeting Survival Guide: Leaders who think ‘listening’ means waiting for their turn to talk again. Spoiler alert: That’s not how conversations work!
The Leadership Secret Hidden in Plain Sight: Master the Art of Listening
Some leaders speak first. The best ones listen first.
If leadership is about influence, listening is the foundation. It’s how trust is built, ideas are discovered, and teams thrive. Yet, too many leaders fall into the trap of hearing without truly listening—turning meetings into monologues instead of collaborations.
Don’t be Monologue Mike, who treats every team discussion like his personal TED Talk. Avoid becoming Waiting-to-Talk Walter, who nods politely while mentally rehearsing his next brilliant point. And definitely steer clear of Half-Listening Hannah, who multitasks through conversations and misses the real message entirely.
Great leaders know this: What they say matters less than how well they listen.
Let’s explore the superpower that transforms leadership effectiveness.
1️⃣ The Power of Listening-Driven Leadership
When leaders listen, they: ✅ Understand what their teams actually need—not just what they assume. ✅ Create an environment of trust where people feel safe to speak up. ✅ Make better decisions by considering diverse perspectives.
Listening isn’t passive. It’s leadership in action.
2️⃣ Real Leaders Who Lead by Listening
Satya Nadella (CEO, Microsoft)—Revitalized Microsoft’s culture by prioritizing empathy and active listening over rigid hierarchy. His leadership began with listening, and it reshaped an entire company.
Indra Nooyi (Former CEO, PepsiCo)—Fostered deeper connections by personally writing letters to employees’ families, recognizing their contributions. She understood that listening isn’t just internal—it’s relational.
Abraham Lincoln—Known for his ability to listen before leading. He welcomed opposing views, absorbed wisdom, and made decisions with thoughtfulness rather than impulse.
Great leaders don’t listen just to reply. They listen to lead.
3️⃣ How to Strengthen Your Listening Leadership
✅ Stop Half-Listening. People can tell when you’re just waiting for your turn to speak. Don’t be Distracted Derek, checking emails while someone shares important feedback. Instead of formulating responses, focus fully on their words.
✅ Ask Reflective Questions. Swap “Got it.” for “Can you expand on that?” or “What’s the biggest challenge here?” Channel your inner Curious Catherine instead of Assumption Andy.
✅ Repeat Key Takeaways. Close conversations with “Here’s what I heard—does this align with your thoughts?” to reinforce understanding. Be Recap Rachel, not Moving-On Marcus.
✅ Start Meetings With Listening. Kick off discussions with “What’s on your mind?” instead of jumping into directives. Transform from Agenda Aaron into Open-Door Olivia.
✅ Learn the Power of Silence. Pauses create space for deeper insights. Resist the urge to fill every gap with your voice. Embrace Thoughtful Thomas energy, not Chatter-Box Charlie.
Listening isn’t a skill—it’s a leadership superpower.
✍️ Note to Self: The best leaders don’t command attention—they earn trust by listening deeply.
The FUNomenal™ Finale: Earn trust. Listen deeply.
Which listening strategy will you apply this week?
-> Read More: Confident Leadership: Build Presence Without the Big Ego
AI Sidekick Alert: This post was unpacked and given a touch of FUNomenal™ sparkle with the creative assistance of my behind-the-scenes AI brainstorming buddy!
About Tony
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Tony Brigmon | Speaker—Emcee | TonyBrigmon.com
Tony Brigmon is a party animal. He’s been known to stay up well past nine o’clock drinking root beer and telling G-rated jokes. Sure, the neighbors complain, but that doesn’t stop him. Because Tony is serious about having fun. Serious fun, with serious results.
As a result of his questionable spelling skills, Tony learned at an early age that his name spelled backward is “YNOT.” As in, “YNOT take a closer look at his book?” Or “YNOT smile when you should be crying?”
Tony was a Southwest Airlines “Insider” and the former “face” of their renowned culture as their official “Ambassador of Fun”. At Southwest Airlines, “fun” was the power of “positivity” that helped catapult a small carrier into a force that changed the airline industry.
Today, Tony is a popular speaker, emcee, and author of The FUNomenal™ Workplace. (FUNomenal™ is pronounced the same as phenomenal but it’s a lot more FUN.)
Former CEO of Southwest Airlines Howard Putnam says: “Tony has a gift for blending fun and capturing ideas in a manner that sticks for audiences.” Tony’s friends say that no one should have so much fun while sober. Tony’s wife said she has had about all the cheerfulness she can stand.
“Fun” transformed this author’s work and life. YNOT discover if the serious power of fun can transform the next 30 seconds of your day or 30 years of your life?
YNOT arrange to have Tony Brigmon teach you and your team how the power of fun can help you get more done, bring out the best in everyone, and make you irresistibly attractive in your communication with others. You can do this. So, YNOT?
