Hey There 👋 

Happy Better Yourself Friday and welcome to a brand-new month! 🎉 This July, we’re diving deep into the skills that define true leadership, and we’re kicking it off with something that’s often overlooked, but absolutely essential… listening. Wait—what? Listening? 🤔 Yup. It might not sound flashy, but great leaders don’t just talk. They listen deeply, intentionally, and often.

Think about the best leaders you’ve ever met, teachers, mentors, even friends. What made you respect them? Chances are, it wasn’t because they dominated every conversation. It was probably because they heard you. When you listen, people feel seen and valued. It builds trust. It opens the door to honest collaboration. And it helps you make better decisions because you’re actually tuned in.

In group projects, in campus clubs, even in your DMs, if you want to lead well, start by listening well. Here are a few ways to practice your leadership skills. Firstly, work on active listening. Don’t just nod while thinking about your next response. Really pay attention. Ask clarifying questions and summarise what the other person said to show you’re tuned in. Secondly, respond with empathy. You don’t always need to fix the problem. Sometimes, a simple “That makes sense” or “I hear you” goes a long way in building trust.

Lastly, be fully present. Put down your phone if you have to, close the extra tabs. When someone’s speaking to you and give them your full presence. It shows that their voice matters. Whether you're leading now or preparing to lead in the future, your listening skills are your leadership foundation. Build them. Strengthen them. And watch how everything else begins to fall into place. 😄

So without further ado, here’s another installment of Better Yourself Friday

Let's Gerrit!

💡 Great Tips for Mahala

10 Ways To Improve Your Listening Skills (With Examples)

Want to be a better listener? Start by giving people your full attention, put the phone down, make eye contact, and really tune in. Show them that you are engaged by nodding or saying “I hear you,” and resist the urge to interrupt. If something isn’t clear, ask a thoughtful question.

Most importantly, try to understand how the other person feels. Listening isn’t just about hearing words, it’s about being present. And honestly? That’s a game-changer in any relationship. 👂💬

🍵 Olwethu's Corner

We absolutely love the insight and wisdom that OM Insider shares on LinkedIn, as it focuses on giving us quality advice on a frequent basis. 😄

With that being said, go ahead and take a look at it for yourself.

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