When Managers Really Listen

Cathie Leimbach • August 5, 2020

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When you talk with your team members, do you assume that you are understanding everything they are trying to tell you? Many of us would say that of course we understand. Both of us are fluent in English and we aren't stupid!


However, such thinking ignores several realities of human communication.

There may be, on average, 28 different precise meanings or innuendoes for each word in the English language.

What we as listeners 'hear' tends to only be 50% accurate. Half of what the other person is trying to communicate has not reached our brain.

The words someone says only account for 7% of the message we receive. The speaker's voice has a 38% impact and body language has a 55% impact on how we interpret the message.


Since there are so many factors that interfere with effective communication, we are wise, not stupid, to utilize reflective listening. This can be as simple as listening intently and then saying, "What I heard is . . . . Did I hear you correctly?" Then the other person can further explain to increase clarity.


How much could you reduce interpersonal discord and wasted time and money if you increased clarity and alignment within your team by regularly practicing reflective listening?

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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