Edition #20

Will you listen like it matters?

Because it does.

In a noisy world, true listening is rare. But leaders who listen deeply without interrupting, fixing, or checking their phones create space where people feel safe to speak.

When people feel safe, they open up, show up, and grow.

Try this at your next meeting, meal, or moment with someone close:

• Ask one intentional question.

• Pause. Wait. Count to 5 in your head if needed.

• Don’t fill the silence. Let them.

• Engage with your body language.

• Play back the conversation, show you listen and care.

You’ll be shocked by how much more people share when they sense you're not rushing the conversation.

Challenge: Practice “delayed response” listening once today. Let silence do some of the talking.

For more: Read this insightful article on Psychology today.

Will you speak with clarity, not clutter?

Most communication fails because we confuse talking with connecting.

We ramble. We complicate. We assume others understand what we meant, not just what we said.

Great communicators are translators. They take complex thoughts and make them land clearly with tone, timing, and traction.

Before your next key message at work or at home, ask:

• What’s the one thing I really want them to hear?

• What tone matches the message?

• Is now the best time to say it?

Challenge: Before your next 1-on-1 or family conversation, prep, get clear on your main message and your tone.

Take a moment to think on this quote from US Church leader Andy Stanley: “People may not remember what you say, but they’ll never forget how you made them feel.”

Will you model mindful communication for others?

Leaders don’t just talk. They shape the culture of how people speak and listen.

If you're reactive, distracted, or blunt, it ripples outward. If you're calm, curious, and considerate, that ripples too.

Want your team or family to communicate better? Start here:

NO SCREENS.

Yep, no phones, no laptops, no distractions.

For one meeting, mealtime, or check-in this week, remove the screens and bring full focus.

Make it clear: this moment matters.

It’s not complicated. It’s just rare.

Challenge: Create one short meeting, dinner, or check-in this week that models calm, present communication.

For more: Watch Julian Treasure’s TED Talk “How to Speak So That People Want to Listen.” It’s short, practical, and powerful.

P.S. If you're curious about how aligned your team or business is heading into the second half, reply to this or email [email protected].
We’ve got a quick tool that can help you surface blind spots and build second-half momentum, without the burnout.