You Think You’re a Good Listener, but You Could Be Better—Here’s How to Sharpen Your Listening Skills

Recently, I embarked on a journey that’s been years in the making, one that’s focused on something I care deeply about: shaping the next generation of leaders. 

There’s this old-school idea in business that companies are structured like pyramids. You know the one, interns and entry-level employees at the bottom, middle managers in the middle and the CEO sitting right at the top. It’s tidy. It’s linear. And honestly? It’s outdated. 

Let’s be honest, conflict at work is inevitable. You put a bunch of people with different backgrounds, personalities, and habits in one place. Sparks are bound to fly now and then. But I’ve learned that the conflict itself isn’t the real issue. The real challenge is how you respond to it. 

I’ve made a lot of mistakes in my career. Some small, some expensive, some that still make me cringe a little when I think about them. But here’s the thing, I’ve learned way more from those missteps than I ever did when things were smooth sailing. And now, I get to share those lessons with companies and teams across the country.