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Welcome to the Tuesday Trailblazer, my weekly newsletter delivering actionable insights from my personal experiences and 15+ years in leadership.

Today’s Email:

In leadership, we often think our job is to give direction and have all the answers. But one of the greatest lessons I've learned is this:

I learn more by listening than by talking.

It wasn’t always this way.

I can recall a time on my leadership journey where I would prepare my responses before having a conversation. Assuming what I would think a team member would respond with and then how I would respond back. Leaving minimal room for understanding on my end.

Whilst some form of preparation helps, assuming what someone may/may not say and going into discussions with an outcome/learning in mind, can significantly impact the level of trust and engagement you and your team have.

So today, I want to share with you 5 key techniques that helped me evolve and specifically helped me listen to understand, not listen to reply.

Listening may seem “passive” in a culture that values hustle, however I’ve learned the power in listening and how it is an active way to connect with your team, understand their challenges, and build trust.

What we’ll cover off:

• Why listening is one of the most powerful skills for impactful leadership.

• 5 proven techniques to enhance your listening abilities.

• How listening can strengthen relationships, trust, and team dynamics.

• 4 Day Challenge to implement these strategies for impact.

In leadership, we often think our role is about giving direction and having all the answers. However, research shows that listening is a critical skill for effective leadership.

According to Forbes, leaders who excel in listening are significantly more effective than those who don't. Listening helps access diverse perspectives, making better decisions and fostering an inclusive environment.

Kate Murphy’s book You’re Not Listening highlights how we often miss vital information by focusing on talking rather than truly hearing others.

By mastering listening, you build trust, enhance decision-making, and create a collaborative culture.

Many leaders believe their value lies in speaking up and making decisions, but they often neglect the power of listening. Common pitfalls include:

• Talking More Than Listening: Leaders feel they need all the answers, missing new ideas or feedback.

• Prepping a Response Instead of Engaging: Many leaders think about their reply instead of being present.

• Missing Non-Verbal Cues: Communication is more than words; ignoring body language or tone can lead to miscommunication.

• Not Validating Feelings: When team members don’t feel heard, they become disengaged.

By addressing these gaps, you’ll not only improve your listening skills but more importantly, also elevate your leadership impact.

The 5 Techniques of Exceptional Listeners

1. Harness the Power of Pause

   What: Silence is golden in conversations. Before you respond, take a moment to process what’s been said.

   Why: This small pause gives you time to reflect and absorb information.

   How: Next time you’re in a conversation, resist filling the silence. Take 3 seconds before responding.
   

2. Unleash Your Inner Explorer

   What: Be curious! Approach conversations with the mindset of a learner.

   Why: Shifting from talking to learning turns conversations into a treasure trove of insight.

   How: In your next team meeting, ask yourself, “What can I learn from this person?”
   
   

3. Listen with More Than Your Ears

   What: Pay attention to body language, tone, and emotions behind the message.

   Why: Most communication is non-verbal; understanding what's unsaid connects you on a deeper level.

   How: During conversations, observe body language and tone for deeper insights.

   
   

4. Reflect to Amplify Empathy

   What: Show you’re listening by repeating back what you’ve heard and validating feelings.

   Why: Reflecting back shows understanding and care.

   How: Use phrases like “It sounds like you’re feeling…” during your next 1:1.

   
   

5. Be Open to New Perspectives

   What: Every conversation is a chance to challenge assumptions and broaden your view.

   Why: Truly listening opens you to ideas that can shift your understanding.

   How: When someone shares a different idea, explore it fully before judging.

This 4-Day Challenge is designed to give you something today, you can implement tomorrow and ignite your impact as a leader this week.

Here’s this weeks challenge, Trailblazers.

Day 1: Practice the Pause
Pause for 3-5 seconds before responding in conversations.

Day 2: Be an Explorer
Have a conversation with someone on your team with the sole purpose of learning something new.

Day 3: Listen Beyond the Words
Focus on non-verbal cues in your next meeting.

Day 4: Reflect and Validate
During your next 1:1, reflect back what you’ve heard to show understanding.

Listening is one of the most underrated leadership skills but also one of the most powerful. By mastering it, you not only improve relationships but also create a culture where people feel valued and motivated to contribute.

Remember, great leaders aren’t just those with loud voices—they’re those who listen best.

Until next Tuesday,

I have built and led teams across 3 successful businesses and have over 15 years of people and business leadership experience.

Over the past 4 years, I have grown my business working with “busy” leaders across multiple industries (retail, hospitality, construction, mining, education) and helped them simplify their leadership.

Igniting their impact in leadership and at home.

Let me share my insights and help you:

• Reclaim your time

• Prioritise your wellbeing

• Achieve work/life harmony

• Improve customer centricity

• Connect & elevate team culture

• Simplify your leadership beyond busy

• Building a bench and plan for your successors

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