In today’s world of constant notifications, fragmented attention, and fast-paced conversations, one leadership skill stands out more than ever: the ability to truly listen.
It sounds simple. But it’s rare.
We often confuse hearing with listening—being in the room with being present. Yet genuine presence is not automatic. It’s intentional. It means choosing to put aside distractions, assumptions, and agendas long enough to truly receive what another person is saying.
And that’s what makes listening one of the most underrated acts of leadership.
Presence is a daily decision
Presence isn’t just about showing up physically—it’s about bringing your full attention, your curiosity, and your willingness to engage.
It’s choosing:
- To pause the inner monologue and hear what’s actually being said.
- To resist multitasking and give someone your undivided attention.
- To be curious rather than reactive.
In leadership, presence communicates something powerful: you matter. Your people feel it when you’re truly present—and they notice when you’re not.
Listening is how you lead before you speak
The best leaders don’t start by giving answers. They start by asking better questions and creating space for voices to be heard.
Why?
Because listening does more than gather information. It builds trust.
When you listen:
- You validate others’ experiences—even when you disagree.
- You uncover hidden tensions before they become major issues.
- You empower others to contribute and take ownership.
True listening says: I don’t just want your compliance—I value your contribution.
The science behind listening and leadership
Neuroscience tells us that when people feel seen and heard, their brains shift from defense to openness. They become more cooperative, more creative, and more willing to engage.
That’s why listening is more than a “soft skill”—it’s a leadership multiplier.
- Psychological safety improves.
- Decision-making sharpens.
- Team performance rises.
In high-trust cultures, listening is woven into how leaders run meetings, give feedback, and resolve conflict. It’s not just what they do—it’s who they are.
How to lead by listening
Want to grow as a listening leader? Here are a few daily practices:
1. Make eye contact.
Put down your phone, close your laptop. Show you’re here—and not somewhere else.
2. Ask open-ended questions.
Avoid yes/no traps. Invite others to reflect:
“What’s your perspective on this?”
“What would you do if you were in my position?”
3. Mirror and reflect.
Say back what you’re hearing.
“So it sounds like what’s frustrating is…”
“If I understand you right, you’re saying…”
4. Be okay with silence.
Sometimes the most important insights come after a pause. Don’t rush to fill it.
5. Follow through.
Listening doesn’t end with understanding—it ends with action. Show people their voice made a difference.
Presence transforms leadership
You don’t have to be the loudest person in the room to lead.
You can lead by the way you make others feel heard.
You can lead by slowing down long enough to truly connect.
You can lead by being someone others feel safe to speak to.
Because in a noisy world, presence is rare—and rare is valuable. It’s the quiet superpower of those who don’t just manage people, but lead them.
So tomorrow, before you speak…
Pause.
Look up.
Lean in.
And choose presence.
Because presence is a choice—and listening is leadership.
DREIESKIVA|Roald Kvam 
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