Listening might be the most underrated leadership skill
As Mental Health Awareness Month comes to a close, I’ve been reflecting on something that feels both simple and profound:
And one of the most powerful mental health tools we have.
In finance and executive leadership, we often pride ourselves on decisiveness, analysis, and action. But sometimes, the best thing we can offer our team isn’t a strategy or a spreadsheet.
It’s our full attention.
Executive Search
A Personal Reflection
Over the course of my career, I’ve seen leaders—myself included—be quick to speak rather than quick to listen. I’ve seen teams across different industries lose trust in leadership because they didn’t feel heard. But I’ve also witnessed something hopeful: leaders who made the shift, who slowed down, leaned in, and truly invested in hearing the voices of their teams.
The results were clear:
Beyond the boardroom, this lesson has echoed in my work as a founding board member of New London Counseling Center. At NLCC, we’ve seen firsthand how the simple act of being present and listening, without judgment or distraction, can be a lifeline for someone in crisis. That same principle applies in leadership.
You don’t need to be a therapist to make a difference, but you do need to be intentional.
Listening as a Leadership Imperative
In my work leading teams and now through TruPeak, I’ve seen the tangible value of listening—not just in business outcomes, but in team well-being.
Listening builds trust. It reduces stress. It opens space for people to say, “I’m not okay” and to feel safe doing so.
Mental health isn’t a “personal” issue we leave at the door. It walks in with us every day. And especially in high-pressure environments, we need to normalize real conversations; not just about performance or projections, but about how people are actually doing.
What This Looks Like in Practice
If you’re a leader, especially in finance or operations, here are three ways to lead with listening:
1. Create space
Ask your team how they’re really doing … and be okay sitting with the answer.
2. Don’t fix too fast
Sometimes what people need is empathy, not efficiency.
3. Model vulnerability
When leaders are honest, others feel permission to do the same
Mental health awareness doesn’t end in May
It continues in how we show up, how we speak, and how we listen.
Because when we listen well, we lead well.
How has intentional listening shaped your leadership journey or impacted your team? I’d love to hear your perspective.
