Edition #37

Will You Listen Beyond the Words?

Some leaders hear information.
Few truly listen for meaning.

Listening isn’t passive.
It’s an active choice to be present, curious, and undistracted.

Often, what matters most is what isn’t said.

Ask yourself:

1. Where do I listen to respond rather than to understand?

2. What do I miss when I’m busy thinking about the next decision?

3. How does my body show whether I’m truly present?

Challenge:
In your next conversation, focus on slowing down rather than speeding up.
Notice tone, pace, and emotion not just content.

Read this from John Maxwell, the lost art of listening.

Will You Observe Before You Intervene?

Leadership doesn’t always require action.
Sometimes it requires restraint.

The instinct to fix can drown out insight.
Observation creates clarity before decisions are made.

Ask yourself:

1. How quickly do I step in when things feel uncomfortable?

2. What patterns keep repeating that I haven’t fully noticed?

3. What might I learn if I waited a little longer?

Challenge:
This week, notice one recurring behaviour in your team or family.
Say nothing. Write down what you observe. Repeat.

Will You Invite Others to Be Heard?

People commit more deeply when they feel listened to.
Not managed. Not corrected. Heard.

Listening well builds trust faster than direction ever will.

Ask yourself:

1. Who speaks most and who rarely speaks at all?

2. What questions invite honesty rather than compliance?

3. How do people feel after conversations with me?

Challenge:
In your next team or family conversation, ask:
“What do you see that I might be missing?”
Thank them. Don’t defend.

A great insight here into inclusive leadership from Sir Gareth Southgate.

P.S If you missed the last edition, you can go back and review it here