After reading the article “Needed: Leaders Who Inspire, Listen” about the need for leaders who honor people, listen deeply, and build trust, I immediately thought about some of my own experiences. I’ve worked with leaders who made me feel seen and valued, and those were always the environments where I did my best work. When a supervisor took time to ask for my perspective or acknowledged the effort I put in, it strengthened my confidence and made me more motivated. I’ve also experienced leadership that lacked openness or communication, and those situations created stress, confusion, and low morale. Because of that contrast, the article’s emphasis on listening, vulnerability, and giving people a meaningful stake really resonated with me.

The ideas in the article also reminded me of other leadership readings I’ve come across, like Brené Brown’s writing on courage and vulnerability or Simon Sinek’s work about purpose-driven leadership. Those texts share the belief that the best leaders don’t just manage tasks, they build relationships, create psychological safety, and help people feel connected to a bigger mission. This article fits into that same perspective, focusing on leadership as a human-centered practice rather than a top-down authority role.

The message also connects to what’s happening in the world today. Many workplaces are struggling with burnout, turnover, and a lack of trust, and these problems often stem from poor leadership that doesn’t listen or involve employees. More organizations are starting to realize that people function better when they feel respected, included, and heard. The qualities described in the article honoring others, building trust, being open, and acknowledging people reflect a broader shift toward leadership that supports well-being and collaboration. These skills aren’t just nice to have anymore; they are becoming essential for healthy workplaces.

“Guest Column: Needed: Leaders Who Inspire, Listen.” Triangle Business Journal, 30 Sept. 2016, https://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/news/2016/09/30/guest-columnneeded-leaders-who-inspirelisten.html