Want to lead? Speak last

Many good leaders I know say to their teams, “We have a decision to make, here’s what I think. Let’s go around the room and discuss.”

The best leaders I know listen first and speak last.

When their teams are sharing their thoughts and opinions, these leaders don’t nod when they agree. They don’t lower their brow when they disagree. They simply take it all in and ask clarifying questions.

This does two things.

First, it gives everyone else the feeling that they’ve contributed, that they’ve been heard.

Second, those leaders who speak last get the benefit of hearing what everyone else has to think before they share their opinions.

Not only do they learn everyone else’s opinion, but they learn why they have the opinion they have.

Want to understand from where someone is speaking? Listen first. Speak last.