When my son Jeffrey posted about me recently, he started by saying, “It’s not Mother’s Day… but I’ve gotta give my mom some love.” He went on to describe how I’ve been his sounding board, someone who listens to his business ideas, no matter how messy they sound, and helps him find clarity. What he failed to mention is due to the time difference, I sometimes do that quite late at night.

He called it a “superpower.” I call it listening. I do know that the ability to listen, really listen, and ask powerful questions, is one of the most needed and underrated business skills.

Clarity in the Chaos

Every leader I’ve worked with, from scientists to executives, has moments when their ideas feel tangled. Sometimes they’re stressed, sometimes they’re overwhelmed, and very often they just need to talk out loud to make sense of what they already know. Sometimes I can’t completely understand my clients’ jargon, but I can still help them sort through the noise.

The best leaders don’t always provide the answers. Instead, they create space for others to sort through the mess and uncover the clarity within.

Listening as a Leadership Skill

Too often, we associate leadership with talking, giving direction, making the speech, having the last word. I remember one of my earliest bosses, Nancy Geoffrion. She would sit and listen and ask clarifying questions. Often, the leaders who truly make an impact are often the ones who know when to stay quiet.

Listening builds trust. It fosters creativity. It transforms confusion into clarity. And sometimes, it even turns a rambling brainstorm into a business strategy.

A Challenge for You

So here’s my challenge: the next time someone comes to you with an idea that seems scattered or as Jeffrey would say, “half-drunk,” don’t cut them off. Don’t rush to give the answer. Just listen.

You might be surprised at the clarity they’ll find, and the appreciation they’ll feel, because you sat with them, rather than talking at them.

After all, it’s not just meatloaf that keeps people coming back. It’s the feeling of being truly heard.