Here’s week seven of the summer leadership series! This week is about mastering the art of communication, starting with the courage to listen first. Can you improve your communication skills?
Why Communication Matters
Communication isn’t just about being heard – it’s about creating understanding, alignment, and connection. Salesforce research shows that employees who feel heard are 4.6 times more likely to feel empowered to perform their best work. Meanwhile, companies with highly effective communicators are 3.5 times more likely to outperform their peers financially.
The neuroscience is fascinating: when people feel truly listened to, their brains release dopamine and oxytocin, creating feelings of trust and psychological safety. Active listening literally rewires neural pathways for collaboration. Conversely, when people feel unheard, stress hormones flood the system, shutting down higher-order thinking and creativity.
Harvard Business Review research found that leaders who are excellent listeners are perceived as 40% more effective by their teams. Zenger Folkman’s study of 3,492 leaders revealed that those in the top 10% for listening skills were rated 19% higher in overall leadership effectiveness. Google’s Project Oxygen identified “being a good coach” – which requires exceptional listening – as the #1 behavior of their highest-performing managers.
Perhaps most striking: Ernst & Young found that companies with leaders who prioritize listening and two-way communication see 40% lower employee turnover and 12% greater productivity. Great communicators don’t just talk well – they create space for others to be heard, understood, and valued.
Case Study: Oprah Winfrey
Oprah Winfrey built a media empire worth billions, but her superpower wasn’t charisma or presentation skills – it was her extraordinary ability to listen. For 25 years on “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” she demonstrated what transformational listening looks like at scale.
Winfrey’s approach was revolutionary: instead of dominating conversations, she created space for others to share their deepest truths. She asked follow-up questions that showed genuine curiosity, not just surface-level interest. She listened with her whole body – leaning in, maintaining eye contact, responding with authentic emotion. Most importantly, she listened without judgment, creating psychological safety for people to be vulnerable.
This listening-first approach translated into unprecedented business success. Her show became the highest-rated talk show in television history, reaching 44 million viewers weekly at its peak. But the real magic happened in how her listening style influenced entire industries – from publishing (Oprah’s Book Club) to wellness and personal development.
Winfrey’s communication philosophy extended to her leadership team. She regularly held “listening sessions” where employees could share concerns, ideas, and feedback without fear of retribution. This created fierce loyalty and innovation within her organization. Today, her media network OWN and various business ventures continue to thrive because she built cultures where people feel heard and valued.
Her listening-first leadership style didn’t just build wealth – it built trust, influence, and lasting impact across multiple industries.
So, Now What?
This week, flip the script on communication. Before your next meeting, commit to listening 70% of the time and talking 30%. Ask open-ended questions that start with “what” and “how” rather than leading with your own opinions.
Practice the “pause” – count to three before responding to ensure the other person has finished their thought. Put away devices during conversations and give people your full attention. When someone shares a concern or idea, repeat back what you heard before offering solutions. Look them in the eyes. Pay attention to body language. Acknowledge what is said. Confirm that you understand.
Remember: people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. And the fastest way to show you care is to truly listen. Your next breakthrough insight is probably sitting in someone’s head, waiting for a leader brave enough to ask and patient enough to listen. That’s becoming your best!
“Listen. Pay attention. Treasure every moment.”— Oprah Winfrey
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