In a world filled with constant noise and distractions, listening has become an underrated and often overlooked skill. In Hardwired to the Heart and the Seven Core Competencies, active, “tuned in” listening is a powerful tool for leaders looking to build trust, strengthen relationships, and empower their teams. Listening with intentional focus and energy can transform not only the way we communicate but also the impact we have on those around us.
“The opposite of a tuned in listener is a tuned out, distracted disconnected listener”
What is Active “Tuned In” Listening?
Active “tuned in” listening means being fully present in every interaction, focusing on both what is being said and what is left unsaid. It’s about listening with the intent to understand, rather than simply waiting for your turn to speak. This type of listening requires energy and attention, as it involves tuning in to the emotions, body language, and tone of voice of the person speaking, not just their words.
“One tone is when the tone of your voice is harmony with the tone of your words”
When leaders practice active listening, they show respect and empathy, creating a space where others feel heard and valued. This, in turn, fosters trust and encourages more open and honest communication.
Listening as a Core Leadership Competency
With the Seven Core Competencies outlined in Hardwired to The Heart, active listening is a key pillar that activates and enhances other competencies. For example, a leader who listens with intention will build stronger relationships, as their team members will feel respected and understood. This leads to increased collaboration, innovation, and accountability, as team members are more likely to engage and contribute when they know they and are confident they are being heard.
Active listening also plays a critical role in problem-solving and decision-making. When leaders listen deeply, they gather more information, gain diverse perspectives, and are better equipped to make informed decisions that benefit and are in service of the greater good of the entire team or organization.
The Impact of Tuned-In Listening on Trust
Trust is the foundation of any successful team, and active listening is one of the most effective ways to build that trust. When leaders are fully engaged in listening to their team members, it signals that they genuinely and authentically value their input and care about their concerns. This creates an environment where people feel safe to speak up, share ideas, and collaborate more freely. It becomes an identity that compliments the culture and values of the organization.
“Team members not only want to be heard, but they also want to know and have confidence they are”
Activation Exercise – With every conversation “play back” what you believe you heard to the person you are engaged to reinforce they are being heard and to confirm your understanding.
Trust is not built through grand gestures, but through small, consistent actions—like showing up with a “tuned in” presence in every conversation. Active listening is one of proactive very intentional powerful actions that can have a lasting impact on how people feel about working with you and each other.
Enhancing Leadership with Active Listening
Active “tuned in” listening requires conscious intentionality and practice. It’s about being fully present in every interaction, even when the conversation feels routine or when distractions are pulling at your attention. Here are a few ways to enhance your active listening skills:
- Eliminate distractions: Before entering a conversation, put away your phone, close your laptop, and mentally focus on the person in front of you. This helps you to be fully present and engaged.
- Focus on the speaker: Pay attention not just to the words but also to the speaker’s body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice. This can provide additional context and insight into what they are truly feeling or trying to communicate.
- Ask clarifying questions: Show your engagement by asking thoughtful, clarifying questions. This demonstrates that you are actively processing what the speaker is saying and that you care about understanding their perspective.
- Listen without judgment: It’s important to listen with an open mind, without jumping to conclusions or forming responses while the other person is speaking. Instead, focus entirely on their message before crafting your reply.
- Reflect back: Summarizing or paraphrasing what the other person has said is a great way to show that you’ve listened and understood. This also provides the speaker an opportunity to clarify anything that may have been misunderstood.
Active Listening and the Seven Core Competencies
Active listening enhances each of the Seven Core Competencies by fostering a deeper connection with others, improving collaboration, and driving more effective communication. When leaders listen, they also learn—and this learning becomes a critical component of leadership growth.
For instance, listening can strengthen empathy, another key competency, as it allows leaders to better understand the needs and concerns of their team members. Listening also activates humility, as it encourages leaders to prioritize others’ perspectives over their own. This interconnectedness is what makes the Seven Core Competencies so powerful—they work in harmony to enhance overall leadership effectiveness.
Leading with Heart
At its core, active listening is about being present and showing care for others. It’s about hardwiring your beliefs to your heart and expressing those beliefs through meaningful actions in the workplace. Leadership is not just about tasks and results—it’s about relationships. And relationships are built on trust, respect, and communication.
By making active listening a cornerstone of your leadership style, you not only enhance your own leadership abilities but also create a workplace culture where people feel valued, heard, and empowered.
Conclusion: The Art of Tuned-In Listening
“Leave a piece of your heart in everything you do.” Active “tuned in” listening allows you to do just that—by being fully present, engaged, and attentive in every interaction, you build stronger connections and foster a more collaborative, trusting workplace.
Now is the time to begin practicing active listening as a key component of your leadership journey. Whether through one-on-one conversations or team meetings, each opportunity to listen deeply and intentionally can strengthen your leadership impact and transform the relationships you have with those around you.