Leadership is often associated with vision, decisiveness, and communication skills. Yet, one of the most underappreciated yet critical leadership competencies is the ability to listen. True leadership is not about being the loudest voice in the room but about understanding, synthesising, and responding to the voices of others. In an era defined by rapid change, diverse teams, and global markets, mastering the art of listening can be the defining factor in a leader’s success.
Why Don’t We Listen?
Despite the fundamental role of listening in effective leadership, many leaders struggle with it. The human brain processes information at a much faster rate than people speak. While the average person speaks at a rate of 125-175 words per minute, our brains can process up to 450 words per minute. This creates a ‘listening vacuum’ that we fill with distractions—daydreaming, preparing responses, or making subconscious judgments about the speaker.
Moreover, we selectively tune out individuals based on preconceived notions. We are less inclined to listen to those we perceive as less experienced, from different backgrounds, or with viewpoints that challenge our own. Crisis and time pressures further exacerbate this tendency. Yet, great leaders understand that the most valuable insights often come from the most unexpected sources. To listen effectively is to suspend judgment and actively seek out diverse perspectives.
John O. Burdett is founder of Orxestra® Inc. He has extensive international experience as a senior executive. As a consultant he has worked in more than 40 countries for organisations that are household names. John has worked on organisation culture for some of the world’s largest organisations. His ongoing partnership with TRANSEARCH International means that his thought leading intellectual property, in any one year, supports talent management in many hundreds of organisations around the world.
