The Power of Listening in Leadership
By Jerome D. Ryans, President and CEO, Tampa Housing Authority
Leadership is often associated with vision, decisiveness, and the ability to inspire. However, one of the most essential yet frequently overlooked leadership skills is listening. The ability to listen-genuinely and intentionally-can shape an organization's culture, strengthen relationships, and drive informed decision-making.
Effective leaders do not listen merely to respond; they listen to comprehend. Too often, individuals formulate a response while another person is speaking, rather than fully absorbing what is being said. This approach can lead to miscommunication, missed opportunities, and disengaged teams. Leaders must condition themselves to pause, process, and reflect before responding.
It is easy to listen when conversations align with one's perspective. The true challenge-and the mark of strong leadership-is listening when there is disagreement. Leaders must resist the instinct to defend their positions immediately and instead approach dissenting viewpoints with curiosity. Practicing the charitable act of truly listening fosters an environment in which people feel safe expressing concerns and contributing ideas.
Leadership requires a commitment to listening to all stakeholders, both within and outside the organization. Employees at every level need to feel that their voices matter. When direct reports believe they are genuinely heard, morale improves, engagement increases, and productivity follows. Similarly, listening to external stakeholders-residents, community partners, policymakers-ensures that decisions reflect the needs of those the organization serves.
Feedback, even when difficult to hear, is a valuable tool for growth. Leaders should be open to criticism and willing to learn from it. This does not mean that every critique is valid or requires immediate action, but dismissing criticism outright can lead to stagnation. The most effective leaders take the time to analyze what they hear, extract key insights, and apply those lessons to improve policies and processes.
A common misconception is that listening implies agreement. On the contrary, one can acknowledge another's perspective without adopting it. Leaders who listen respectfully, even when they ultimately make a different decision, build trust within their teams and communities. People are far more likely to accept an outcome-even one they disagree with-if they feel their concerns were considered.
Creating a culture of listening requires intention. Leaders should encourage open dialogue, set aside dedicated time for one-on-one discussions, and demonstrate active listening behaviors-such as summarizing key points, asking clarifying questions, and validating others' perspectives. When leaders model these behaviors, they set the tone for the entire organization.
At the Tampa Housing Authority, we are committed to listening-to our employees, to our residents, and to the broader community. In doing so, we strengthen our ability to serve, adapt, and lead with integrity
