True Listening: The Superpower of Opening Up
Welcome to the 5th edition in this “10 Leadership Superpowers” series, on listening! In our noisy, fast-paced world, the act of truly listening has become an underappreciated art. Yet, true listening is more than just a skill; it’s a transformative practice that enables connection, understanding, and growth. When we talk about “True Listening,” we mean a profound openness to receiving everything—internally, externally, and globally—without judgment or resistance. Let’s explore how this works and why it’s a superpower, especially for leaders.
Exploring the Depths of Listening
Turning Inward: Internal Listening
True listening begins within. Often, we’re so caught up in the chatter of our own minds that we fail to hear what’s happening inside us. Internal listening involves tuning into your thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations without judgment. It’s about noticing what arises, acknowledging it, and allowing it to inform your awareness. This self-attunement is the foundation of understanding others.
Connecting Outward: External Listening
External listening is the practice of truly hearing what others are saying—not just the words but the tone, context, and unspoken emotions behind them. This level of listening requires presence and curiosity. A great piece of advice sums it up: “If you want people to like you, just listen to them.” For some, this might be the best dating advice you’ll ever get…
Embracing the Whole: Global Listening
The highest level of listening expands beyond yourself and others to encompass the environment and the world around you. It’s about being open to the subtleties of reality—the rustling of leaves, the hum of a room, the collective energy of a group. This type of listening transforms your perception of the world, making you more attuned to the interconnectedness of all things.
True Listening as an Opening
True listening is like experiencing a vast landscape, made up of internal, external, and global listening. It’s about allowing the entire view to come into focus, rather than narrowing your gaze to one specific point. You don’t fight or resist when your mind wanders during a lecture, for example. Instead, you simply notice it and gently guide your attention back.
This type of listening doesn’t require strain or effort. Instead, aim for an easy, open, laid-back concentration. This is about being attuned to reality without contracting your awareness. It’s a type of attention that feels expansive and natural, rather than restrictive and forced. True listening ties into curiosity, letting go, and approaching the world like an empty vessel, ready to be filled.
How & When to Apply
- Always: True listening is synonymous with being present. There’s never a time when that’s not a good idea! When you’re aware of what is required and the situation you’re in, you can control and adjust the levels on the types of listening.
- Decision-Making: Listening to internal, external, and global signals helps you make decisions that are informed by both logic and intuition.
- Conflict Resolution: True listening can de-escalate tensions by helping all parties feel acknowledged and respected.
- Go for Quality: Even if you have little time, be fully present. Being fully present is almost synonymous with true listening.
Hear Hear
True listening is a superpower because it enables you to engage with the world—and the people in it—on a deeper level. It requires no fancy tools, no special equipment, only the willingness to open yourself up and receive. As a leader, this skill can transform your ability to inspire and influence others.
In the end, true listening isn’t just about hearing; it’s about being fully present and embracing what unfolds. It’s about creating space for voices, ideas, and realities that might otherwise go unnoticed. And in that openness, we find connection, understanding, and perhaps even a little magic.
So, let’s make it a practice: listen—to yourself, to others, and to the world. You might be surprised at what you discover.
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