Why Listening Is the Most Underrated Leadership Skill

January 28, 2026

Listening Is Often Mistaken for Silence

Many people believe they are good listeners simply because they remain silent while others speak. In reality, listening is an active skill that requires focus, intention, and empathy.

In leadership, listening is not a passive act it is a strategic skill.

Leaders who listen effectively understand their people better, make informed decisions, and build stronger relationships.

Why Listening Matters in the Workplace

Listening affects how:

When people feel heard, they are more engaged and willing to contribute openly.

Common Barriers to Effective Listening

Listening breaks down when:

Leaders listen to respond, not to understand
Assumptions replace curiosity
Time pressure discourages conversation
Hierarchy limits honest feedback

These barriers often prevent important insights from reaching decision-makers.

The Impact of Poor Listening on Performance

When listening is weak:

Misunderstandings increase

Problems remain unresolved

Employee morale declines

Productivity suffers

Over time, teams become cautious and disengaged, reducing collaboration and innovation.

Developing Strong Listening Skills

Effective listening can be developed through:

Leaders who practise these behaviours signal respect and openness.

RWCT’s Approach to Communication Development

At RWCT, we emphasise listening as a core leadership and communication skill. Our programmes help leaders and teams build listening behaviours that strengthen trust, alignment, and performance.

Because communication improves when listening comes first.

Author

Fezza Mustafa

She is a strategic marketing and project management leader with 13 years of training industry experience, specializing in digital marketing, e-commerce, and executing growth initiatives with C-level leadership.