The art of listening: learning from Nelson Mandela and Simon Sinek

Josh Cote from EAW Consulting explores the idea that good listeners make better leaders.

Why listening is the ultimate leadership skill

There is no doubt that people are eager to speak and be heard. We only need to scroll through social media to see the ever-increasing competition to ‘stand out’. So much so that true listening has become a rare commodity. It’s been said that many people ‘listen’ with the intention of ‘replying’, not ‘understanding’.

Yet, it is the very skill of listening that separates great leaders from the rest. Nelson Mandela, one of the most respected leaders in history, once shared that one of the key lessons he learned from his father was the importance of being the last to speak.

Mandela’s father, a local chief and council to the monarch, always allowed others to express their views before he gave his opinion. This approach made those around him feel valued and provided him with a comprehensive understanding of the situation before making any decisions.

Simon Sinek, a modern leadership expert, echoes this sentiment. He emphasises that listening is more than waiting for your turn to speak; it is about listening to genuinely understand the perspectives and feelings of others. This level of empathy and insight can transform a leader’s ability to make informed, effective decisions that resonate with the people they work with.

The ripple effect of effective listening

So, why does listening matter so much in leadership? The answer lies in its ripple effect. What does this mean? When leaders listen, they gain a deeper understanding of the issues at hand. This leads to better decision-making, as the leader isn’t just making choices based on their limited perspective but considering a broader range of insights and ideas.

Listening: a skill to be cultivated

Listening might seem straightforward, but in reality, it is an art that requires continuous practice and even a certain level of mindfulness. Here are a few strategies to help you become a more effective listener:

Be present: Distractions are everywhere these days. To truly listen, you need to be fully present in the moment. This means putting away your phone, closing your laptop, and giving your undivided attention to the person in front of you.
Hold your tongue: Like Mandela, practice being the last to speak. Resist the urge to interrupt or offer your opinion too soon and allow others to fully express themselves before you respond.
Ask questions: Show that you are engaged by asking open-ended questions. This demonstrates your interest and encourages the speaker to explore their thoughts and feelings deeper and share these with their listeners.
Reflect and paraphrase: After someone has spoken, take a moment to reflect on what they have said rather than immediately replying. Paraphrasing their message back to them can help ensure you have understood correctly and show that you value their input.
Empathise: Listening is about understanding emotions. Try to put yourself in the speaker’s shoes and consider their feelings and motivations.

The power of listening in leadership

Incorporating the art of listening into your leadership style builds stronger, more resilient relationships with your team. By exploring the lessons of leaders like Nelson Mandela and Simon Sinek, you can be better leaders who make more informed sessions because you have taken the time to understand.

At EAW Consulting, we understand that the best leaders prioritise listening as a core skill.

So, the next time you are conversing, ask yourself: are you truly listening? The future of your leadership may depend on it.

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About Josh Cote

Josh Cote specialises in motivational speaking, business development, and recruitment. He has a proven track record in customer acquisition and outsourced sales.