Tag Listen to Learn

Being More Productive as We Begin 2026

Steve Keating Leave a comment

A new year has a way of resetting our perspective. As 2026 begins, productivity isn’t about doing more for the sake of busyness—it’s about doing what matters with clarity, intention, and sustainability. The past few years have taught many of us that burnout is easy to reach and hard to recover from. This year, productivity should feel supportive, not exhausting.

Here are practical, realistic ways to be more productive as we step into 2026—without losing ourselves in the process.

Redefine What “Productive” Means

Productivity is often mistaken for constant motion. In reality, it’s about progress. Being productive might mean completing one meaningful task instead of ten shallow ones. It could mean resting so you can show up stronger tomorrow.

As you begin the year, ask yourself:

What outcomes actually matter to me this year?

What activities move me closer to those outcomes?

What can I let go of?

When productivity is tied to purpose, it becomes easier to focus—and easier to say no. So never allow yourself to think that being busy is the same as being productive. I would submit to you that if you didn’t get closer to a goal on any particular day, then no matter how busy you were, you were not productive that day.

Start With Fewer Goals

There’s a temptation at the start of a new year to set ambitious, packed goal lists. The problem? Too many goals compete for your attention and dilute your energy.

Instead, choose:

One primary focus for the year

Two or three supporting goals

This creates direction without being overwhelmed. You can always add more later, but starting small increases your chances of follow through.

Build Systems, Not Just Motivation

Motivation is unreliable. Systems are dependable.

Rather than asking, “How can I stay motivated?” ask:

How can I make this easier?

What routine supports this habit?

What reminder or structure keeps me consistent?

For example, instead of relying on motivation to work out, place your workout time directly after an existing habit, like waking up or finishing work. Productivity grows when actions become automatic.

Plan Your Days the Night Before

One of the simplest productivity habits is planning for tomorrow today.

At the end of each day:

Write down your top three priorities for tomorrow

Identify the most important task and plan when you’ll do it

Clear mental clutter by writing everything else down

This allows you to start your day with intention instead of reaction. You’ll spend less time deciding what to do and more time actually doing it.

Focus on Energy, Not Just Time

Time management matters, but energy management matters more. Pay attention to when you feel most focused, creative, or alert.

Ask yourself:

When do I do my best thinking?

When do I feel drained?

What tasks require high energy vs. low energy?

Schedule demanding work during your peak energy hours and reserve lighter tasks for slower moments. Productivity improves when your schedule works with your body, not against it.

Reduce Digital Distractions

In 2026, distractions are more refined than ever. Notifications, endless content, and constant connectivity quietly drain attention.

Simple steps can make a big difference:

Turn off non-essential notifications

Set specific times to check email or social media

Create “focus blocks” with your phone out of reach

You don’t need more willpower—you need fewer interruptions.

Leave Room for Rest

Rest is not the enemy of productivity; it’s the foundation of it.

If your schedule is packed with no margin, productivity will eventually collapse. Build in:

Breaks throughout the day

Days without heavy commitments

Time to reflect and reset

Rest allows your mind to process, your creativity to recharge, and your motivation to return naturally.

Reflect Regularly

Productivity isn’t something you set once in January and forget. It’s something you refine.

At the end of each week or month, reflect:

What worked well?

What felt draining or unnecessary?

What needs adjusting?

Small course corrections throughout the year lead to big improvements over time.

Move Forward With Intention

As 2026 begins, remember that productivity isn’t about perfection. You will have slow days, off weeks, and moments when plans fall apart. That doesn’t mean you’re failing—it means you’re human.

Choose progress over pressure. Choose clarity over chaos. And most importantly, choose a version of productivity that supports the life you want to live—not one that consumes it.

Here’s to a more focused, balanced, and intentional 2026.

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How Listening Leads to Success

Steve Keating Leave a comment

We live in a world with constant noise—social media notifications, endless meetings, and the pressure to always have something to say—that makes it easy to overlook the quiet power of listening.

Yet, time and again, the most successful people across industries, from entrepreneurs to artists to leaders, credit one skill above others: the ability to truly listen. Listening isn’t just hearing words; it’s an active, intentional practice that unlocks opportunities, creates connections, and drives meaningful progress. Here’s why mastering the art of listening can pave your path to success.

1. Listening Builds Stronger Relationships

Success rarely happens in isolation. Whether you’re leading a team, negotiating a deal, or nurturing personal connections, relationships are the foundation of achievement. Active listening—paying full attention, asking thoughtful questions, and showing genuine interest—creates trust and respect.

When you listen to understand rather than to respond, people feel valued. A study from Harvard Business Review found that leaders who practice empathetic listening foster higher levels of loyalty and engagement in their teams. For example, a manager who listens to an employee’s concerns about workload doesn’t just solve a problem—they build a bond that inspires that employee to go the extra mile. Strong relationships, rooted in listening, open doors to collaboration, mentorship, and opportunities that propel you forward.

2. Listening Sparks Innovation

The best ideas often come from unexpected places, but you’ll miss them if you’re too busy talking. Listening to customers, colleagues, or even critics can uncover insights that fuel innovation. Take Steve Jobs, who famously listened to user feedback about clunky MP3 players in the early 2000s. That input, combined with his team’s creativity, led to the iPod—a product that revolutionized the music industry.

Listening doesn’t mean blindly following every suggestion. It means absorbing different perspectives, identifying patterns, and converting them into something new. Entrepreneurs who listen to their market’s pain points can create solutions that resonate. Artists who listen to their audience’s emotions can craft work that moves people. Success often comes from hearing what others might overlook.

3. Listening Sharpens Decision-Making

Decisions shape outcomes, and good decisions require good information. Listening—whether to data, expert advice, or the nuances of a conversation—gives you the clarity to choose wisely. A 2023 study by McKinsey found that executives who actively seek out and listen to diverse viewpoints make more effective strategic decisions, avoiding costly missteps.

Consider a scenario: a CEO is deciding whether to launch a new product. By listening to their team’s concerns about market readiness and customer feedback from early testing, they pivot to refine the product first. That choice, informed by listening, saves millions and builds a stronger launch. Listening helps you gather the full picture, reducing blind spots and boosting confidence in your choices.

4. Listening Cultivates Empathy

Empathy is a superpower in today’s world. It’s the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, and it starts with listening. Empathetic leaders, salespeople, and creators succeed because they connect on a human level. When you listen to someone’s story—whether it’s a client’s frustration or a friend’s dream—you gain insight into what drives them. That understanding allows you to tailor your approach, whether you’re closing a sale or inspiring a team.

Oprah Winfrey, one of the most successful media moguls, often credits her listening skills for her ability to connect with millions. By listening deeply to her guests and audience, she created a platform that resonated globally. Empathy through listening builds loyalty and influence, key ingredients for lasting success.

5. Listening Fuels Personal Growth

Success isn’t just about external achievements; it’s about becoming the best version of yourself. Listening—to mentors, critics, or even your own intuition—drives personal growth. Feedback, even when it stings, is a gift if you’re willing to hear it. A 2024 study in the Journal of Applied Psychology showed that individuals who actively seek and listen to constructive feedback are more likely to improve their performance over time.

Listening also means being present with yourself. Taking time to reflect on your experiences, values, and goals helps you align your actions with your vision of success. Meditation, journaling, or simply sitting in silence can be forms of listening to your inner voice, guiding you toward better choices.

How to Become a Better Listener

Listening is a skill you can hone. Here are practical steps to make it second nature:

Be Present: Put away distractions. Silence your phone, maintain eye contact, and focus fully on the speaker.

Ask Questions: Show curiosity by asking open-ended questions like, “Can you tell me more?” or “What do you mean by that?”

Pause Before Responding: Take a moment to process what you’ve heard before jumping in. This shows respect and helps you respond thoughtfully.

Practice Empathy: Try to understand the speaker’s emotions, not just their words. Reflect back what you hear: “It sounds like you’re feeling frustrated because…”

Seek Feedback: Ask trusted peers or mentors how you can improve your listening skills. Then, listen to their advice.

The Ripple Effect of Listening

Listening isn’t a passive act—it’s a catalyst. It transforms conversations, relationships, and outcomes. When you listen, you signal to others that their ideas matter, which inspires them to share more. You gain insights that spark creativity, make smarter decisions, and grow as a person. From boardrooms to creative studios to personal relationships, the ability to listen sets you apart in a world that is often too loud to hear.

Success isn’t about having the loudest voice; it’s about having the sharpest ears. Start listening today, and watch how it opens doors you never knew existed.

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Listening—The Superpower Every Leader Needs

Steve Keating Leave a comment

Several years ago, I was working in a company with a newly christened CEO. I, and several of my colleagues, had known him for a long time in his various roles within the organization. We had good working relationships with him, and I was especially excited about his elevation into the top spot. I was certain he would do a great job.

It didn’t take long before I began to wonder about that. One of those colleagues of mine had a meeting with him, and during the meeting, he shared with the CEO that trust issues were developing with some of our distributors. The CEO quickly cut him off and told him he didn’t want to hear that kind of information. He added he didn’t want people bringing him bad news, and if you didn’t have anything good to share, then you best share nothing at all.

I heard similar stories from others, so I decided to give it a shot myself. I too was quickly shut down and basically told to come back when I had something good to share. I continued working there for several more years, but was never in the CEO’s office again. I never had another conversation pertaining to business with him. After announcing my departure from the company I had worked at for 28 years I still never again heard another word from him.

It seemed to many of us that he really, really, really didn’t want to risk hearing anything challenging from anyone.

And that’s sad because it has cost the company a lot over the years. A lot of money, of course, but a ton of relationships and goodwill in the marketplace as well. He receives lots of information, but it is all filtered through the lens of people telling him what he wants to hear. The lack of listening to a broad spectrum of voices, more than anything else, has also damaged the culture of the organization, perhaps beyond repair.

There are many skills that are vital for effective leadership, and listening intently is very close to the top of the list. Authentic Leaders listen particularly closely to the things they don’t want to hear. For leaders, listening to both good AND bad news is nothing short of a superpower. It’s the key to building trust, fostering innovation, and driving meaningful change. Great leaders don’t just speak—they hear, understand, and act on what they learn. Here’s why listening is a game-changer for leadership and how to harness its power.

Why Listening Is a Leadership Superpower

1. It Builds Trust and Connection
People want to be heard. When a leader listens—truly listens—employees, colleagues, and stakeholders feel valued. This creates psychological safety, where team members are more likely to share ideas, voice concerns, or admit mistakes. A 2020 study by Google’s Project Aristotle found that psychological safety is the top factor in high-performing teams. Listening lays the foundation for it.

2. It Fuels Better Decisions
No leader has all the answers. Listening to diverse perspectives—whether from frontline employees, customers, or critics—uncovers insights that might otherwise be missed. Take Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, who revitalized the company by listening to employees and customers, shifting the culture toward collaboration and innovation. Listening ensures decisions are grounded in reality, not assumptions.

3. It Sparks Innovation
Ideas don’t come from the top alone. When leaders listen to their teams, they tap into a wellspring of creativity. Employees closest to the work often have the best solutions but need a leader who’s willing to hear them out. Pixar’s “Braintrust” meetings, where leaders listen to candid feedback on films, have led to some of the most iconic movies ever made. Listening creates space for breakthroughs.

4. It Defuses Conflict
Misunderstandings and tensions thrive in environments where people feel ignored. Active listening—acknowledging emotions and clarifying concerns—can de- escalate conflicts before they spiral. It shows respect, even in disagreement, and paves the way for solutions that work for everyone.

How to Cultivate Listening as a Leadership Skill

Listening isn’t just about being quiet while someone else talks. It’s an active, intentional practice. Here’s how leaders can master it:

1. Be Present
Put away distractions—yes, that means your phone—and focus entirely on the speaker. Maintain eye contact, nod, and show you’re engaged. Presence signals respect and encourages openness.

2. Ask Open-Ended Questions
Instead of jumping to solutions, ask questions like, “Can you tell me more?” or “What do you think we should do?” This invites deeper insights and shows you value the speaker’s perspective.

3. Reflect and Clarify
Paraphrase what you’ve heard to ensure understanding. For example, “It sounds like you’re saying the team feels stretched thin—am I getting that right?” This not only avoids miscommunication but also makes the speaker feel heard.

4. Hold Space for Silence
Don’t rush to fill pauses. Silence gives people time to process and share more. It’s uncomfortable at first, but it’s where the real insights often emerge.

5. Listen Without an Agenda
Avoid mentally preparing your response while someone is talking. Let go of the need to “fix” or steer the conversation. Sometimes, people just need to be heard, not solved.

6. Act on What You Hear
Listening without follow-through breeds cynicism. If you hear concerns or ideas, acknowledge them and take action where possible. Even small steps show you’re listening—and that it matters.

The Ripple Effect of Listening

When leaders listen, the impact cascades. Teams become more engaged, creative, and loyal. Organizations make smarter decisions and adapt faster. And leaders themselves grow, gaining humility and wisdom from the voices around them. In a noisy world, the leader who listens stands out—not by shouting louder, but by hearing better.

Final Thoughts

Listening isn’t flashy, but it’s powerful. It’s the superpower that turns good leaders into great ones. By making people feel seen, heard, and valued, listening transforms workplaces and relationships. So, the next time you’re tempted to dominate a conversation or rush to a solution, pause. Listen. You might be surprised at the strength you find in silence.

Call to Action: Try this today—set aside 10 minutes to listen to someone on your team without interrupting or offering solutions. Just hear them. Then, reflect on what you learned. You’ll be amazed at the difference it makes.

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Are You a Good Hearer?

Steve Keating Leave a comment

Say what? If something about the title of this post doesn’t sound exactly right to you, it might be because you’ve never heard of being a good “hearer.” But you know what I mean because being a good hearer is the same as being a good listener.

Or is it?

Hearing and being a good listener are fundamentally different.

Hearing

Definition: Hearing is the physiological process of perceiving sound. It involves the ears detecting sound waves and sending signals to the brain.

Passive: It does not require conscious effort; it happens automatically if your auditory system is functioning.

Focus: It’s primarily about detecting noise, tone, and volume rather than meaning.

Example: Hearing someone talk in a crowded room but not paying attention to their words.

Being a Good Listener

Definition: Listening is an active process where you not only hear sounds but also focus on understanding and interpreting the meaning of what is being said.

Active: It requires conscious effort, attention, and engagement.

Skills Involved:

Paying full attention to the speaker.

Avoiding distractions.

Asking clarifying questions.

Demonstrating empathy and understanding.

Providing appropriate feedback.

Focus: It’s about comprehension, emotional connection, and effective communication.

Example: Actively engaging in a conversation, paraphrasing to confirm understanding, and responding thoughtfully.

Hearing is a physical ability. You can buy hearing aids to help you be a better hearer. But being a good listener requires effort on your part. You cannot buy anything to help you. The good news is that listening is a skill that you can develop. It doesn’t cost you a thing; it only requires effort and intentionality. But it can literally be a priceless gift… to you and those you listen to.

Listening to people, truly listening, is perhaps the most basic skill required for sustainable success in every area of our lives. The majority of what we know we learned by listening; that’s unlikely to change anytime soon.

So if you want a better life, it seems that being a better listener is the fastest way to achieve it.

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How to be a More Effective Listener

Steve Keating 2 Comments

Many people who claim to want to be better communicators focus almost entirely on speaking more clearly. But effective speaking and effective communicating are two very different things. You cannot communicate effectively if you can’t listen effectively. Truly great communicators know that’s a fact.

The benefits of being a more effective listener cannot be overstated. Not only do effective listeners learn more, they build deeper and longer-lasting relationships. Being a better listener involves both active engagement and a willingness to understand others.

If you’re truly interested in being a better communicator here are some ideas to improve your listening skills.

• Give your full attention. When someone is speaking to you, put away distractions like your phone or other devices. Make eye contact and show that you’re fully present. The person you’re speaking with should be your only focus. They should feel as if they are the most important person in the world to you…because in that moment they truly should be.

• Listen without interrupting. Allow the speaker to express their thoughts without interrupting them. Interrupting can disrupt the flow of conversation and make the speaker feel unheard. If your response to what the speaker has just said is any version of “yes, but…” I can guarantee that you were not fully listening to them. You were figuring out your response before they finished talking.

• Practice empathy. Try to understand the speaker’s perspective and feelings. Put yourself in their shoes and imagine how you would feel in their situation. As I’ve written before, empathy is a super power that allows you to listen to and connect with someone else in a way that takes communication to a new, much more powerful level.

• Ask clarifying questions. If you’re unsure about something the speaker said, ask for clarification. This shows that you’re actively listening and trying to understand their point of view. Asking a clarifying question does NOT make you look or sound stupid. It demonstrates that you care about what the other person is saying.

• Paraphrase what you heard. After the speaker has finished talking, summarize what they said in your own words. This not only shows that you were listening but also helps clarify any misunderstandings.

• Avoid judgment. Suspend judgment while listening to others. Everyone has their own experiences and perspectives. It’s important to respect that even if you disagree. Remember, if you’re judging what they are saying while they are still saying it then you are not fully listening to their words and their meaning.

• Be patient. Sometimes, people need time to gather their thoughts or express themselves. Be patient and give them the time they need without rushing them. A few moments of silence can be a powerful communication tool. Learn to embrace the pauses and use them to understand what was just said and what you should say next.

• Show non-verbal cues. Use non-verbal cues like nodding your head or making affirmative sounds to show that you’re listening and engaged.

• Practice active listening. Actively engage with the speaker by nodding, smiling, or providing verbal cues like “I see” or “That makes sense.” This encourages the speaker to continue sharing.

• Reflect on your own listening habits. Take time to reflect on your listening habits and identify areas for improvement. Are there times when you tend to zone out or interrupt? Being aware of these tendencies can help you become a better listener.

• Ask three people who know you well what you can do to be a better listener. Then, and this is key, DO WHAT THEY SUGGEST YOU DO. Do not argue, do not dismiss, just do it. If you’ve asked the right people their input will be invaluable. And…you might not like this one…if you are married, one of those three people should be your spouse. And remember the “do not argue, do not dismiss part. 🙂

Listening is a skill and by definition skills can be developed through effort and practice. Your life will change for the better when you become a more effective listener. It is highly likely you’ll also improve the lives of those around you when they realize how much you value what they have to say.

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Becoming a Listener Who Actually Listens

Steve Keating 2 Comments

For many years I sold the Dale Carnegie Course on Effective Communications and Human Relations. Many of the people who enrolled in that course wanted to be better speakers and presenters. I reminded them that there was a lot more to being a better presenter than just speaking well. I often got the sense that they weren’t listening to me.

And that was going to create huge challenges for them in becoming an effective presenter. It would also greatly hinder their chances of being an effective communicator. Here’s the reality in today’s world…most people simply don’t listen. They already know enough. Their mind is already made up. They have no desire to have their thinking muddled up with facts.

So instead of actually communicating with someone they try to “out talk” them. Actual communication requires a great deal of listening. That’s a challenge for people because listening often requires a gap in the conversation. People think that pausing the conversation for a few seconds to linger upon the words of the speaker makes them seem stupid.

That causes people to be thinking about their response before the other person is done speaking. YOU CANNOT FULLY LISTEN TO SOMEONE WHILE YOU’RE THINKING ABOUT WHAT YOUR RESPONSE IS GOING TO BE.

Truly effective communicators are willing to risk looking stupid so that they can actually be smart.

Listening is literally two-thirds of effective communication. So let’s talk about listening.

Being a better listener is a valuable skill that can improve your relationships, communication, and understanding of others. Here are some ideas on how to become a better listener.

• When someone is speaking to you, make a conscious effort to focus on what they are saying.

• Eliminate distractions, put away your phone, and create a quiet, conducive environment for the conversation.

• Eye contact conveys that you are engaged and interested in the conversation.

• It also helps you read the speaker’s non-verbal cues and emotions.

• Allow the speaker to finish their thoughts before responding.

• Interrupting can be seen as disrespectful and disrupts the flow of the conversation.

• Try to understand the speaker’s perspective and emotions.

• Use verbal and non-verbal cues, such as nodding and facial expressions, to show that you are empathetic.

• Position your body in a way that is open and welcoming, signaling your receptiveness to the speaker.

• Avoid crossed arms, which can appear defensive.

• Reflect back what the speaker is saying to confirm your understanding.

• Use phrases like, “So, what I’m hearing is…” or “If I understand correctly…”

• If something is unclear or you need more information, ask open-ended questions to encourage the speaker to elaborate.

• Suspend judgment and preconceived notions about the speaker or their topic.

• Be open to different perspectives and experiences.

• Let the speaker take their time to express themselves fully.

• Avoid rushing the conversation or finishing their sentences.

• Stay in the moment and avoid thinking about your response while the other person is speaking.

• This can help you fully absorb the information and respond more thoughtfully.

• Keep your emotions in check and remain calm during the conversation.

• If you become emotional, it can be challenging to listen effectively.

• After the conversation, follow up on any commitments or promises you made during the discussion.

• This shows that you take the conversation seriously and are reliable.

• Ask for feedback from the speaker on how well you listened.

• Use this feedback to improve your listening skills further.

It is no coincidence that the most successful people are often also the most effective listeners. That success transcends business to positively impact every area of their lives. Becoming a better listener is an ongoing process that requires practice and self-awareness. By consistently applying these ideas, you can improve your listening skills and build stronger, more meaningful relationships with others…in business and in life.

Why Listening Well is Such a Big Deal

Steve Keating 3 Comments

People who listen well do well. They do well in most every area of their life. They do especially well in their relationships. Whether it’s professional or personal relationships you’ll be more approachable when you make the effort to listen to others intently. 

Here are some ways that listening well can help build and maintain relationships.

When you listen well, it shows the other person that you care about their thoughts and feelings. This can help build trust in the relationship, as the other person feels heard and understood. Many times when someone asks for help the only “help” they need is for someone to listen to them. Really listen. 

That’s why focused, active listening is often one of the kindest things you can do for someone. All it takes is an open heart, a good ear, and an investment of time. 

Good listening skills can help prevent misunderstandings by ensuring that you have a clear understanding of what the other person is saying. This can help you avoid jumping to conclusions or making assumptions based on incomplete information. If your reply to what another person says is “yes but” then it’s likely you weren’t completely listening to them. It’s probable that you were at least partially planning your reply while they were still talking.

Listening well requires you to put yourself in the other person’s shoes and see things from their perspective. This can enhance your empathy for them and help you better understand their feelings and experiences. Empathy is a skill that can be developed through practice. Empathy is vital to relationships with people who are different than you because once you understand their emotions and life experiences you’ll find you have far less need to judge them. 

Active listening is an effective tool for resolving conflicts. It allows both parties to express their feelings and concerns in a supportive environment. By listening well, you can work together to find common ground and come up with solutions that meet everyone’s needs.

Good listening skills help deepen your connection with the other person. It shows them that you value their thoughts and feelings. This can lead to a stronger and more meaningful relationship over time.

We all know that listening well is an essential skill for building and maintaining healthy relationships. By taking the time to truly listen to others, you can build trust. You reduce misunderstandings. You enhance empathy. You resolve conflicts, and even stop them before they start. You strengthen your connections with others in very significant ways.

Listening is a skill you can develop over time. Funny thing is, it’s a very challenging skill to learn while holding a cell phone in your hand. It’s almost like a cell phone is Kryptonite to listening skills. So the first two steps to become a better listener are one, find the off button on your cell phone. Two, use it. 

Not only will you be a better listener, you’ll be amazed at how many other positive differences that will make in your life too.

Want more of LeadToday? I’m changing things up on my Twitter feed for subscribers. On March 2nd I began publishing two videos each week focusing on an element of Authentic Leadership. I’ll post these videos each Tuesday and Thursday morning. They will be about 10 minutes long so we can get into the topic in a more meaningful way. The investment for subscribers in still only $5 a month. That’s for at least 80 MINUTES of quality video content on leadership a month. 

If you’re interested in taking a look head on over to my Twitter profile page. If you’re not a follower yet just hit the follow button. It will change to a subscribe button and once you hit that you’re on your way. You can cancel at any time you’ve decided you have nothing left to learn about leading the people who you count on for your success. 🙂

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