The Power of Listening

November 25, 2024

This fall, in conversations with leaders navigating AI transformation, one theme stood out: the importance of listening.

It’s a lesson I was reminded of a few years ago during a visit to Antelope Canyon, where every sound bounced back clear and amplified. The canyon didn’t filter or judge; it reflected everything, giving space for every sound to be heard. Just as the canyon amplifies every echo, effective leadership amplifies and reflects the voices of teams.

AI Transformation starts with people, not technology or strategy. The real power of AI is in amplifying human potential, and that begins with understanding those doing the work.

Leadership Opportunity

For many executives leading AI transformations within their companies, the opportunity to reshape the future of work is unprecedented. AI offers immense transformative potential, but its success hinges on aligning technology with human strengths.

That's where the power of listening comes in.

Listening is the cornerstone of building trust, uncovering critical insights, and driving innovation. By prioritizing people and fostering a human-first approach, leaders can guide their organizations to become not only more competitive but also more resilient and authentically human.

Listening is the cornerstone of building trust, uncovering critical insights, and driving innovation.

By prioritizing people and fostering a human-first approach, leaders can guide their organizations to become not only more competitive but also more resilient and authentically human. As highlighted by Harvard Business School article, CEOs who prioritize listening are better equipped to navigate complex transformations, creating trust and alignment across their organizations.

In my years of coaching leaders and guiding organizational change, I’ve seen time and again that the most successful transformations happen when leaders listen first and act second.

The Hidden Power of Listening

Leaders who embrace the power of listening often uncover transformative insights. One executive shared a pivotal moment, realizing their assumptions about where AI could add value were misplaced and discovered they were looking in the wrong places.

The real opportunities only surfaced after engaging their teams and listening to their perspectives.

The impact can be striking when prioritizing open dialogue from day one. This reminds all of us with a simple foundation of leading the change: those closest to the work understand its challenges and opportunities best. Their insights are the foundation of successful AI transformation.

The Human AI Strategy Framework

Listening doesn’t just uncover insights; it reveals the hidden potential of teams, becoming the cornerstone of any successful strategy. At its core, this is what makes a Human AI Strategy Framework so transformative.

Here’s how leaders can embed listening into their AI strategy:

1. Create Space for Conversations

True dialogue uncovers insights that no strategy session ever can. Start small:

• Schedule informal, weekly chats with team members about AI.

• Ask open-ended questions like, "What part of your work feels the most repetitive?" or "What’s one thing you’d love more support with in your role?"

• Listen patiently and thoughtfully, without rushing to conclusions.

By being the last to speak, you create space for others to share their authentic views. This approach fosters trust and ensures you hear the insights that matter most.

2. Turn Insights into Action

Listening without follow-through erodes trust. To lead effectively, you must connect feedback to decisions:

• Share what you’ve learned openly and transparently.

• Be willing to change your mind after gathering feedback—this shows thoughtful analysis and a commitment to what’s best for the team.

• Establish visible “feedback loops” with updates like, “Here’s what we’re doing based on your feedback.” to demonstrate that input is valued and acted upon.

Taking action on insights builds credibility, strengthens trust, and drives collective progress.

3. Build a Culture of Listening

Listening isn’t a one-time event; it’s a continuous process that should be woven into the fabric of your organization.

• Involve frontline workers in AI planning sessions to capture valuable, hands-on insights.

• Set up regular feedback channels to ensure voices are consistently heard.

• Celebrate when employee suggestions drive successful outcomes—acknowledging their contributions reinforces the importance of listening and collaboration.

By making listening an ongoing practice, you create a culture where innovation thrives, and everyone feels empowered to contribute.

For additional tips and insights on bridging the listening gap, the article by MIT Sloan Management Review highlights four essential types of adaptive listening that leaders can use to effectively integrate AI strategies with their teams.

Rethinking Leadership when Leading AI Transformation

This year, we have seen clear signs of how AI is revolutionizing industries and how many leaders are shifting to a more human-centered leadership style. The most effective leaders today aren’t those with all the answers but those who embrace curiosity, humility, and collaboration. By putting people at the center of an AI strategy, leaders can build organizations that are more innovative, resilient, and deeply human.

Start Now

Your next step doesn’t require a complex roadmap. Start with a conversation. Ask someone, ‘What could AI help you do better?’ Then, just listen.

The future of AI transformation is human-first, and it begins with you.

Best,
Tarja

Let’s Shape the Future Together

My goal with this journal is to inspire leaders to navigate AI transformation with wisdom, courage, and leadership that keeps people at the core. Thank you for being part of this journey. If these insights resonate, I invite you to share, because the future of leadership isn’t built alone. Let’s create it together.

The Future-Ready Leader Journal

Leading in the age of AI starts with people. Stay inspired with weekly insights on leading with wisdom, courage, and humanity.