Are You Being Heard?

Cathie Leimbach • October 16, 2023

Effective communication is the cornerstone of successful leadership, and it's equally important for a leader to ensure that their message is not just conveyed but also heard and understood by their employees. Here are some key indicators that a leader can look for to know if their message has been received:


1.    Active Listening: A leader can gauge an employee's engagement by observing their active listening skills. Are they making eye contact, nodding, or asking clarifying questions? These are signs that the message is being absorbed.


2.    Feedback and Questions: When employees ask questions or seek clarification, it indicates they are processing the information. Leaders should encourage such queries as they demonstrate an employee's genuine interest in understanding the message.


3.    Paraphrasing: Ask the employee to summarize the key points of the message in their own words. If they can, they have likely grasped the information correctly. If they can’t, it is important to further explain and/or demonstrate until their words or actions indicate they know what is expected.


4.    Body Language: Non-verbal cues such as facial expressions and posture can reveal much about an employee's comprehension. An engaged employee will exhibit open and receptive body language.


5.    Follow-Up Actions: Ultimately, an employee's actions speak louder than words. If they take appropriate actions in line with the communicated message, it's a clear indicator of understanding.



If the employee does not exhibit the above indicators of understanding and engagement they are unlikely to meet your expectations. To ensure that their message is understood, a leader must be attuned to these signs of effective communication, fostering a culture of clarity and productivity in the workplace. 

Leadership Development: The Hidden Superpower for Your Business

By Cathie Leimbach • April 29, 2025
Ever wonder why some companies consistently outperform their competitors? According to Ram Charan's "Leaders at All Levels," the secret often lies in their approach to leadership development. Think about it: when organizations invest in developing leaders at every level, they're not just checking a box for HR—they're directly fueling their economic engine. Charan says that leadership talent is actually the biggest constraint on business growth worldwide. Too many companies treat leadership development as a nice-to-have program rather than a strategic necessity. But those who get it right create a continuous chain reaction of leadership excellence throughout their organization, resulting in measurable business advantages. The most successful companies don't just develop executives at the top. They identify potential leaders early, move them through increasingly challenging assignments, and ensure they gain the necessary skills to drive performance at every level. In today's competitive landscape, your leadership pipeline isn't just about succession planning—it's about creating the sustainable competitive advantage that drives superior business results and economic performance right now.

The Power of Reflective Listening at Work

By Cathie Leimbach • April 22, 2025
Have you ever felt like someone wasn't really hearing you? Reflective listening can fix that problem in the workplace. Reflective listening means truly understanding what someone is saying before you respond. When a coworker is speaking, focus completely on their words instead of planning what you'll say next. Many of us start forming responses while others are still talking, which means we miss important parts of their message. True listening requires patience and practice. To become a reflective listener, start by giving your full attention. Put away your phone, turn away from your computer, and make eye contact. Then, after the person finishes speaking, briefly summarize what you heard. You might say, "So what I'm hearing is..." This shows you were truly listening and gives them a chance to clarify if needed. The benefits of reflective listening are huge. It reduces misunderstandings, builds trust between coworkers, and helps solve problems more effectively. People feel valued when they're truly heard, which creates a more positive workplace. With practice, reflective listening becomes a habit that improves all your work relationships. Remember: listen first, respond second. Your workplace will be better for it.
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