Page 55 - The EDGE Winter 2025

where everyone feels they can thrive. Leaders can
create an environment where mistakes are seen as
stepping stones to success by creating this uplifting
narrative and a reputation to live up to. By making the
path to improvement feel approachable and instilling INSPIRING.
confidence in the tasks suggested, great leaders play a
critical role in producing a culture of encouragement
where every team member feels supported and valued TEACHING.
and is inspired to flourish. Ultimately, by focusing
on encouragement and making tasks of value to the
team, great leaders guide their teams toward goals BUILDING.
and ignite their passion and potential, transforming
challenges into opportunities for achievement.
-Brian L. Mee, SFO, RSBA, M.Ed.

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"I believe one of the requirements of good leadership is the
ability to listen - really listen - to those in your organization.
An effective leader is very good at listening, and it's difficult
to listen when you are talking." -John Wooden www.coreconstruction.com
In today’s rapidly evolving organizational landscape,
great leadership relies on one crucial skill: active
listening. This quote by John Wooden highlights a
fundamental truth: exceptional leaders understand
that communication is reciprocal and mustn’t
dominate discussions to comprehend their team’s
needs and viewpoints fully.
Leaders who speak more than listen overlook vital
insights and ideas that could drive the organization
forward. Listening transcends merely receiving
words; it encompasses understanding emotions,
observing nonverbal signals, and acknowledging
team members’ perspectives. This practice nurtures
an inclusive atmosphere where individuals feel When leaders actively participate in listening, they
appreciated and recognized, improving morale inspire and motivate their teams, allowing individuals
and productivity. By encouraging leaders to adopt to express their ideas and contribute significantly to
a listening-first approach, teams can experience the organization’s objectives. When leaders dedicate
significant transformation. This shift fosters trust, time to consider feedback and insights from their
opens avenues for creativity, and, most importantly, teams, they become equipped to make well-informed
enhances collaborative problem-solving. decisions that reflect the group’s collective wisdom.
This inclusive strategy elevates team morale and
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