When I took over as the head of this company, my manager gave me a piece of advice that has stuck with me ever since.
He said,
“Amit, just listen to them. All they need is ears.”
At that time, the company was facing significant challenges—low morale, financial instability, and a general sense of uncertainty. It was a pivotal moment, and I knew I had to approach it thoughtfully.
So, I did exactly that: I listened. I listened to everyone—the team, the leadership, HR, consultants—anyone who had something to say. Every perspective mattered. Yes, I made decisions along the way, but those decisions became clear only because I had taken the time to truly understand the people and the problems.
And then something incredible happened. Things started improving—quickly.
What I learned during this time is that listening is one of the most underrated leadership skills. It’s not easy because the urge to jump in with your own ideas, solutions, or plans is strong. But when you pause, set aside your ego, and truly listen, you create space for people to feel valued and heard. That, in turn, builds trust and opens the door to real progress.
Leadership isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about understanding the questions. And often, the simple act of listening is the biggest step toward solving even the toughest challenges.