"Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply." Stephen R. Covey

In leadership, listening is a superpower. Many leaders believe they need to speak more to establish authority, but true servant leaders listen more than they talk. They listen not just to respond but to understand. Active listening builds trust, helps identify problems before they escalate, and empowers employees to share their ideas openly without retaliation. When leaders genuinely listen, their teams feel valued and engaged. The best leaders don’t just hear words; they tune into the emotions, concerns, and motivations behind them.