The Skill Leaders Often Overlook: Listening to Lead

Dr. Kristen Craft  Most leaders are trained to speak — to cast vision, direct teams, and deliver results. But John Maxwell identifies listening as one of the most underrated leadership skills a person can develop. "To connect with others," Maxwell teaches, "you must listen to them first." Listening isn't passive. It's a discipline. Maxwell's Law of Connection reminds us that leaders touch a heart before they ask for a hand. And you cannot touch what you have not taken time to understand. That understanding begins when you intentionally close your mouth and open your ears. Here's what active leadership listening looks like in practice: Listen to understand, not to respond. Most people mentally formulate their reply before the other person has finished. Challenge yourself to stay fully present until they're done. Ask one more question. Before you offer a solution or direction, ask a follow-up. "Tell me more about that" communicates value and often surfaces the real issue. Reflect back what you heard. Summarize what someone shared before you respond. This simple habit builds trust faster than almost anything else you can do as a leader. Create space for it. Listening doesn't happen in a rushed hallway conversation. Protect time to be fully available, one-on-ones, open doors, unhurried check-ins. Maxwell puts it plainly: people follow leaders they feel heard by. If you want to increase your influence, start by increasing your attention. The skill isn't loud. But its impact is lasting.     Dr. Kristen Craft is a John Maxwell Certified Coach, Teacher, and Speaker, and a certified DISC Consultant.  Learn more at craftedbykristen.com. In partnership with DL Biz Services | DLBizServices.com