Be Quick to Listen and Slow to Speak

Some of the best leaders I know don’t show up with answers.

They show up with curiosity.

I’m often tempted to jump straight to solutions:

• Fix the numbers.

• Solve the problem.

• Give the advice.

But real leadership usually starts with better listening — not better talking.

When we slow down and truly listen, we:

• Ask better questions.

• Gain deeper context.

• Help people feel heard, not handled.

• Stay curious instead of defensive.

Whether it’s a client sharing financial stress…

or a team member working through a challenge…

Listening first almost always reveals the real issue — not just the one on the surface.

-Rusty Fulling

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