According to Gallup, employee engagement in the United States recently hit an all-time low—the lowest it’s been in over a decade. One of the biggest declines? Employees feeling cared for as individuals.

We know that ensuring our people feel heard and understood isn’t just good for them—it’s good for business. But let’s be honest. As leaders, we’re often maxed out. Overwhelmed. Drowning in decision fatigue. We experience what can only be called listening fatigue.

So how can we become better listeners, even when we feel stretched thin? The good news is that active listening doesn’t have to add more to your plate. Small shifts can make a big difference in how your team feels valued and engaged.

Here are five ways great leaders listen:

1. Listen with Curiosity

Think about a visit to the doctor’s office. You list off your symptoms, and imagine if the doctor simply repeats them back to you, then sends you on your way. Technically, they heard you—but did they understand you? Of course not. A great doctor asks follow-up questions, digs deeper, and gets curious about what’s really going on.

Great leaders do the same. When a team member says, “I’m frustrated with how these meetings are going,” don’t just say, “I hear you. That sounds frustrating.” Instead, ask, “What specifically about the meetings is frustrating for you?” or simply, “Tell me more.” You’ll uncover insights you never would have known otherwise.

2. Listen Without Assumptions or Judgment

Imagine a sphere floating in front of you. You can only see one side at a time. The same is true in conversations—you can only see your perspective, not the whole picture.

When we assume we already know where someone is coming from, we close ourselves off to new information. Worse, assumptions often lead to judgments, which create emotional walls between us and our team.

Instead, go into conversations with an open mind. Try saying, “Help me understand what led you to this decision,” or, “I’m missing something here—help me see what I can’t see.” The more you seek to understand, the more trust you’ll build.

3. Listen Without Preparing to Speak

Most of us aren’t truly listening—we’re just waiting for our turn to talk. But if you’re thinking about what to say next, you’re not fully engaged.

Simon Sinek suggests a simple practice: Let people empty their bucket. Allow them to talk until they’ve said everything they need to say before you respond. Often, what they say toward the end is the most valuable insight of all.

4. Listen Without Trying to Fix It

As leaders, we’re natural problem solvers. When someone comes to us with an issue, our instinct is to jump in with a solution. But constantly fixing problems for your team can be disempowering—it teaches them to rely on you instead of developing their own problem-solving skills.

Instead, listen to empower, not rescue. After they’ve spoken, reflect back what you heard: “Here’s what I’m hearing you say. Is that right?” Sometimes, simply hearing their own thoughts reflected back helps them find their own solutions. And if advice is needed, it will be far more effective when it comes after deep listening.

5. Listen Without Making It About You

It’s tempting to respond to someone’s struggles by saying, “I know exactly how you feel—I’ve been there too.” While well-intended, this shifts the focus to your experience instead of theirs.

Instead of jumping in with your own story, respond with a question that keeps the conversation centered on them: “Wow, that sounds really overwhelming. What do you think is causing this stress?” This validates their emotions while inviting them to go deeper.

The Bottom Line

Active listening isn’t just about hearing words—it’s about making people feel seen, valued, and understood. And when people feel understood, trust grows. Engagement soars. And your workplace culture thrives.

Which of these five listening strategies resonates with you the most? Try incorporating just one into your leadership approach this week and see the impact it has on your team.

And if you’re looking for a simple way to make your team feel heard and appreciated, check out my Ultimate Meeting Kickoff Guide. It’s packed with practical strategies to recognize and engage your team without it feeling forced or awkward. Because great listening isn’t just a skill—it’s a leadership superpower.