How to Build a Culture of Listening

Every leader needs to hear this: In the leadership whirlwind, it's easy to get caught up in the never-ending to-do list. But here's something I can't stress enough: Being "too busy" to listen to your team is not an option.   When you listen, you not only show them respect. ➟ You connect with them. ➟ You build trust. ➟ You lead. 6 tips to be a leader who always listens: 1. Make Time for Conversations Don't wait for formal reviews. Ask for their perspectives often. It shows you're there not just when issues arise. 2. Hold Regular 1:1s Make it a non-negotiable part of your calendar. They're not just another meeting. They're a time to hear their challenges & achievements. 3. Encourage Open Dialogue Let your team know their thoughts are welcome. Any time. About anything. It's these conversations that spark innovation. 4. Listen More Than You Speak Sometimes, just being there to listen is more powerful than any advice you could give. 5. Act on What You Hear Listening is good. But acting on what you learn is what really matters. It shows you take their words seriously. 6. Create a Culture of Listening Lead by example. When your team sees you listening, they'll do the same. With you, and with each other. Leadership isn't about having all the answers. It's about listening for them, together with your team. When you show your team they're heard, you not only affirm their value, you empower them to contribute and grow. That's the mark of a true leader. P.S. Have you ever had a leader who didn't listen? ___________ If you found this helpful, repost ♻️ to share with others. Thanks! And follow Nihar Chhaya, MBA, MCC for more leadership tips.

Why do so many leaders wait for a resignation to ask, “What went wrong?” I’ve been there. You see the resignation email, and the first thought is, "What went wrong?" But by then, it’s already too late. After countless conversations with teams and leaders, I’ve realized this critical truth: Employees don’t suddenly disengage. They give signs—small ones at first. When we don’t listen, those signs become silent, and silence leads to exits. So here’s my 4-step approach to building a culture of listening: 1️⃣ Regular 1:1 check-ins that are about them, not just projects. 2️⃣ Anonymous pulse surveys—sometimes the quietest voices have the loudest insights. 3️⃣ Act on the feedback you receive. Even small changes show you care. 4️⃣ Celebrate team wins and personal milestones—you can’t overdo appreciation. Your team wants to be heard. The question is, are you listening?

It’s fun when a post takes off, right?!?! Recently one of my posts gained more traction than usual and a friend said something that really stuck with me. “It feels good to be heard and taken seriously.” Yes! It feels great to be heard and taken seriously. It’s validating. It reminds us that what we share matters. This got me thinking though, not about LinkedIn engagement, but about our employees. Not everyone is comfortable speaking up, whether in a meeting or even in a one-on-one setting. The quietest person in the room often has some of the most valuable, innovative ideas, but no one benefits if those ideas are kept quiet. On the flip side, some employees do speak up only to feel dismissed or ignored. Overtime, that dismissal silences them, leading to disengagement, frustration and ultimately turnover. As leaders, we have a responsibility to do better. Making employees feel heard isn’t just “nice to have”; it’s a cornerstone of engagement, innovation, and trust. So, how do we create a culture where every voice matters? Here are a few simple ways to start: ✅ Model active listening - Put down your phone, stop multi-tasking, make eye contact, and show you’re fully present. A small act, but it makes a big impact. ✅ Ask open-ended questions - Encourage employees to share their thoughts by asking questions like, “What’s your perspective on this?” or “How would you approach it differently?” ✅ Acknowledge ideas, even the 'silly' ones - Every idea has potential. Sometimes a seemingly off-the-wall suggestion lightens the room and sparks the brainstorming that leads to brilliant solutions. ✅ Follow up: If someone shares an idea or concern, circle back to show them you took it seriously. Even if it’s not feasible, explain why. It will build trust and reinforce that their input matters. When employees feel heard and taken seriously, you create an environment where they feel safe to innovate, engage, and truly invest in the organization’s success. As for my LinkedIn post? It’s just another reminder of the power of being heard, regardless of the workplace or a social platform. When we listen and value each other’s voices, amazing things happen. How do you help your team members feel heard? I’d love to hear your thoughts. And if you’re reading this—thank you for hearing me. ❤️ #fractionalhr #leadership