In the fast-paced world of leadership, where strategic decisions, investor expectations (sorry!), market shifts, and team dynamics dominate your day to day, listening can feel like a luxury. But as recent insights, including the Harvard Business Review article “Are You Really a Good Listener?” (Yip & Fisher, May 2025), consistently show, deeply hearing your team and stakeholders isn’t about being polite – it’s about driving better decisions, fostering trust, and igniting innovation.
Here are five practical ways CEOs can sharpen their listening skills and lead more effectively:
1. Be present, not just physically
Your attention is one of your most valuable assets. When someone speaks to you – whether it’s a team member, investor, or board colleague – give them your full focus. Close the laptop, silence notifications, and listen without distraction. Presence signals respect and encourages openness, which in turn leads to better information and stronger relationships.
2. Listen to understand, not to respond
It’s tempting to jump in with solutions or counterpoints. But great listeners pause. They ask clarifying questions, reflect on what’s been said, and resist the urge to judge or fix too quickly. This isn’t just polite, it gives people the right environment to make suggestions, share challenges, or give feedback. It’s an essential ingredient for innovation and honest dialogue.
3. Tune into what’s not being said
Often, the most valuable insights lie between the lines. Pay attention to tone, body language, and what’s left unsaid. The more attentive you are, the easier it will be ask the right questions. Similarly, don’t just listen to those with the loudest voices. Create space for others to share their thoughts, and seek out dissenting views. CEOs who actively seek out diverse perspectives are better equipped to spot risks early and uncover new opportunities.
4. Paraphrase to align
A simple but powerful habit: summarise what you’ve heard. “So, what I’m hearing is…” or “Let me check I’ve understood…” This tactic not only makes the other party in your conversation think you’re a good listener, it also embeds in you what you’ve just heard. It reduces miscommunication and builds clarity, something deeply important in high-stakes conversations.
5. Follow through
Listening without action is performative. You don’t need to agree with every suggestion, but you do need to acknowledge it. Whether it’s a follow-up conversation, a change in direction, or a simple thank-you, visible follow-through reinforces trust and encourages future input.
At ECI, we’ve seen time and again that the most effective leaders are those who listen well. It’s not about being silent – it’s about being intentional. Listening is a strategic advantage. And for CEOs, it’s one of the most powerful tools you have.
