The Conversations I Almost Missed

What I've learned about slowing down, listening beyond the words, and creating space for voices that change everything.

There's a conversation I almost missed.

Years ago, we were prepping for a high-stakes client presentation. The concept was strong. I felt confident. We were short on time, and I was ready to move forward.

Then someone on my team quietly said, "I have another idea!"

My first instinct was to keep us on track. But something in her voice made me pause. Instead of brushing it off, I said yes.

Her concept - rooted in subtle cues she'd picked up from the client - turned out to be the one that the clients loved most. That moment shifted something in me. I realized I wasn't always listening in a way that invited new insight.

The Habits That Sabotage Listening

Over time, I've noticed habits in myself that can quietly sabotage even the best intentions:

• The Response Rehearsal. Before I was aware of it, I found myself planning my reply while someone was still talking. Coaching helped me see this came from imposter syndrome - a need to prove my value. The shift came when I learned to pause, even if it means I'm slower to respond. That pause helps me take in the whole picture.

• The Assumption Trap. Sometimes I think I know where a conversation is going, so I stop listening closely. But people rarely say things in a straight line. The most important point may come at the end.

• The Fix-It Reflex. My instinct is often to jump to solutions. But when I skip ahead, I miss the heart of the challenge - and sometimes the chance to let someone feel seen before we move to fixing.

• The Stress Skip. When I’m rushed or overwhelmed, listening is usually the first thing to suffer. Ironically, that’s when it matters most.

Listening Beyond the Words

One of the most powerful lessons came in a quiet exchange with an employee.

Her words said one thing, but her body language, tone, and hesitation told me something different. Instead of letting it pass, I circled back later and shared what I’d noticed: “Here’s how it felt to me, and here’s what I saw.”

That follow-up led to a deeper conversation, one that built real clarity and trust.

It reminded me that listening isn’t just about words. Some of the most critical signals come through tone, hesitation, or what isn’t said at all.

The Power of Quiet Voices

As a team of creatives, we have plenty of enthusiastic voices around the table. But I’ve found that some of our quietest voices often have the most profound insights.

When those voices speak, the room goes still. People listen differently. And more often than not, their contributions change the direction for the better.

Those moments remind me that listening isn’t just about allowing space - it’s about inviting it. It’s making sure that every person knows their perspective is valued, even if they don’t take up the most airtime.

Practical Shifts That Help Me Listen Better

I’m still learning, but here are a few shifts that have made a big difference for me:

• Follow up instead of moving on. A simple, “Tell me more” has opened doors I might have rushed past.

• Leave space. Pausing for even three seconds after someone finishes talking feels awkward - but almost every time, it leads to a deeper thought being shared.

• Notice patterns and emotions. I try to listen not just for words, but for what energizes someone, or when their tone changes. Those clues are often the real story.

• Put my body into it. Eye contact, phone down, leaning in - it’s not complicated, but it signals that I’m all in.

• Reflect back. Saying, “It sounds like you’re saying X - did I hear that right?” has saved me from more misunderstandings than I can count.

These aren’t perfect practices, but they’ve helped me slow down and truly listen in moments when it mattered most.

The Ripple Effect of Listening

Here’s what I’ve noticed: when people know you’re truly listening, they bring you different conversations.

They share challenges earlier.

They offer bolder ideas.

They trust you with the messy, complicated stuff.

This happens whether you’re the owner or the intern, whether you’re leading a team meeting or grabbing coffee with a colleague. Listening changes outcomes - but more importantly, it changes relationships.

And those relationships are what sustain us through challenges and create the kind of culture where people feel seen, heard, and valued for who they are.

What's one way listening has changed the way you lead, collaborate, or connect?

Until next time,