The Power of Listening

Date: 02/08/2026
All Rights Reserved by the Author

“Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.”
— Stephen R. Covey

A young executive once visited a renowned industrialist, expecting advice on leadership.
Instead of speaking, the elder man invited him to sit by a window overlooking a busy factory.
For several minutes, they watched silently as hundreds of workers carried out their tasks.
Finally, the industrialist said, “Before I make a decision, I first listen—to my colleagues, to my customers, and sometimes even to silence.”
The young visitor realised that leadership was not built on having all the answers.
It was built on understanding people before expecting them to understand you.
Listening is not merely hearing words.
It is one of the simplest ways to show respect.

Rajat Chandra Sarmah
Guwahati, Assam, India
Email: rajatchandrasarmah@gmail.com
YouTube: conversewithasmile