The Leadership Skill
You’re Probably
Overlooking
Dear Spark Family,
Let’s be honest—when was the last time you felt truly heard? The kind of listening that made you feel seen, valued, and understood? Now flip the question: when was the last time you gave that to someone else?
Just the other day, a leader asked me, “Jackie, how can I get my team to trust me and open up more?” It’s a common question, and the answer is deceptively simple: active listening.
Here’s the thing—listening isn’t just about hearing words. It’s about creating trust, building connection, and making people feel like their voice matters. And when leaders truly listen, that’s when the magic happens.
Why Active Listening is a
Leadership Superpower
Active listening isn’t about nodding along or waiting for your turn to speak—it’s about fully showing up. It’s one of the smallest shifts you can make with one of the biggest payoffs:
Trust: When your team feels heard, they’re more likely to open up, share ideas, and solve problems together.
Engagement: Listening signals to your team that their voice matters, inspiring them to feel invested in the bigger picture.
Collaboration: A culture of listening creates a space where diverse ideas can thrive, leading to innovative solutions.
When you listen intentionally, you’re not just gathering information—you’re creating a culture where people feel empowered and respected.
How to Practice Active Listening
Great listening doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require intention. Here are three strategies that have worked for me:
Pause and Focus: Set distractions aside—your phone, email, and mental to-do list. Give the person speaking your full attention. It sounds simple, but being fully present is rare, and it’s a powerful way to show you care.
Ask Curious Questions: Follow up with genuine curiosity. Questions like, “What do you mean by that?” or “What do you think we should do next?” deepen the conversation and make people feel heard.
Acknowledge and Reflect: Summarize or reflect on what you’ve heard to show you’re truly listening and to ensure alignment. It’s a small step that reinforces trust.
Leading with Presence
and Curiosity
Active listening isn’t just a skill—it’s a way of leading. When you listen deeply, you reshape the culture of your team. Here’s how to take it even further:
Be Direct, But Compassionate: When responding, be clear but empathetic. How you say something matters as much as what you say.
Ask Questions That Inspire: Open-ended, growth-focused questions like, “What’s your perspective on this?” encourage your team to think critically and take ownership.
Practice Everyday Listening: Treat every conversation—big or small—as a chance to show respect and appreciation for your team’s ideas.
🌟 Your Challenge This Week:
Here’s a challenge: Pick one meeting, one one-on-one, or even a casual conversation this week, and practice fully listening. Pause, focus, and ask a follow-up question you wouldn’t normally ask. Then pay attention to how the other person responds.
Active listening isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence. And when you show up fully, you create stronger connections, deeper trust, and a team that’s excited to tackle challenges with you.
Let’s Keep the Conversation Going
What’s your go-to strategy for active listening? Or where are you still learning? Hit reply—I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Here’s to leading with intention and building connections that last,
Jackie
P.S – Got a leadership story or a meme that made you laugh? I’d love to hear it — send me a DM on Instagram!
