The Power of Listening: Lessons From a Career in Athletics and Business
In my early leadership years, I believed the best executives were the ones with the strongest answers. Later, I discovered something far more powerful: great leaders ask great questions—and then stop talking.
Listening changed my entire leadership philosophy.
In athletics, you listen to understand a coach’s strategy. In fundraising, you listen to understand a donor’s heart. In business, you listen to understand your team’s challenges before you solve them.
Listening builds psychological safety, and psychological safety builds stronger organizations.
What I’ve realized after years inside universities and companies is that people don’t need perfect leaders—they need present ones.
Further Reading
• Leadership Through Personal Accountability
https://www.dr-brian-wickstrom.com/leadership-through-personal-accountability
• Ethical Leadership & Organizational Trust
https://www.dr-brian-wickstrom.com/ethical-leadership-accountability
• Executive Leadership Philosophy
https://www.dr-brian-wickstrom.com/executive-leadership-philosophy
