Listening for Growth: The New Sound of Experience

By Jana Rosewarne

The traditional definition of “experience” is often narrowly defined by years on the job or corporate pedigree. This limited view obscures the potential for greater returns and resilience that come from listening for growth.

A 'Listening for Growth' ethos is about embracing a beginner’s mindset. It’s challenging ourselves to listen not just with the intent to echo back, but with the intellectual humility to absorb what the person is saying and re-think how we do things. Drawing on insights from icons across the music industry, we explore lessons for better listening in organizations.

If You Are Experienced, Then Who Are You Lifting Up??

In learning you will teach, and in teaching you will learn.? – Phil Collins, “Son of Man”

In the film “Tarzan”, the song “Son of Man” tells the story of the character’s journey to maturity, marked by adventures with friends and stumbles that shape his wisdom. As in this narrative, the process of becoming more experienced is an invaluable teacher that can’t be replicated. But let’s not forget that we have mentors to help us sidestep the pitfalls that used to come with the territory of gaining experience. Beyond sharing life lessons, mentorship is also about a willingness to take feedback, give kudos, and find some humility in not knowing it all. The shift from hierarchical to relational leadership challenges us to recognize that growth comes from being an expert in elevating those around us.?

[quote callout] If the answer to Are You Experienced? is Yes, the question that follows should be, Who are you lifting up with your experience?

The Responsibility to See People as People

If someone chooses to share feedback, listen to understand the person, not the work. People will tell you more about themselves than about the art when giving feedback. We each see a unique world.? – Rick Rubin

Music producer and author Rick Rubin’s insight is that team members have a responsibility towards each other to understand the person behind the work. This includes recognition and appreciation. While we often use these terms interchangeably, they are different. Recognition is about positive feedback on someone’s performance. Appreciation, on the other hand, is acknowledging a person’s inherent strengths, character, and what they bring to the energy of the team. Focusing just on recognition – on praising results – means you're only cheering when someone crosses the finish line. To be there during the race – to appreciate someone – means acknowledging what it takes to get there.?

When recognition and appreciation are embedded in a culture, people feel valued as integral members of a larger mosaic. This can mitigate the negative effects when someone doesn't act in the group's best interest. In these moments, recognition and appreciation provide a framework for constructive conversations and realignment. Sometimes, just seeing the person behind the role and trusting that they’re doing their best can turn individual motivation into collective benefit. That’s why we start team meetings by sharing our “wins of the week”, celebrating personal and team successes.

[quote callout] What if the responsibility we have towards each other is sometimes less about teamwork and more about being truly there – seeing someone’s effort and recognizing their progress along the way?

Sound-Off Coaching

Sometimes the most valuable touch a collaborator can have is no touch at all. - Rick Rubin

Listening for growth goes beyond acknowledging what’s said; it's knowing when to shut up! Sometimes the highest form of mentorship is simply being there, listening actively without the urge to offer immediate teaching. With this restraint, you empower the other person to take ownership of problems and find their own path to resolution. Making space for others to explore their thoughts can significantly raise their self-confidence. That's why?you don't have to say much sometimes, because listening speaks volumes.?

If You See Something Good, Say Something Good

Turns out not where, but who you're with that really matters. – Dave Matthews Band, “The Best of What’s Around”

Dave Matthews Band reminds us that it’s all about the people you team up with. Like jamming in a band where you vibe off each other's energy and creativity, team synergy makes work more fulfilling. The good news is that companies are trending towards more listening-focused, emotionally intelligent cultures. According to McKinsey’s “The State of Organizations” 2023 report , modern leaders are increasingly valued for self-awareness. And there’s a real benefit in having more feel-good vibes at work. Studies in positive psychology by researchers like Dr. Barbara Fredrickson* suggest that a 5:1 ratio of positive interactions to criticisms can significantly boost morale and performance. This "positivity ratio" is backed by extensive evidence on how positive emotions lead to human flourishing by broadening how we think and helping us build resources for the future.

Active Listening in Action

Listening for growth is using what's shared as a springboard for better ideas. At 10K Humans, we want to create an environment where “Ideas People” can thrive. We think of ourselves as a living ecosystem built on lattice-style teamwork, with a deep appreciation for managerial excellence and professional development. People have latitude to shape their careers and participate in initiatives aligned with their interests and strengths. Research backs up our values, showing that career planning and managerial recognition significantly impact engagement at work. Finally, we believe leadership is exercised at all levels, with each person sometimes leading, sometimes following, sometimes supporting – and always listening.

Want to level up in listening? See our suggestions for putting active listening into action in your organization or team:

• Mentorship is a Two-Way Street: I know times are changing. It's time we all reach out for something new. That means you too. – Prince, “Purple Rain”

Prince’s iconic ballad reminds us that reaching out to new connections can be transformative if we’re open and willing. Reverse mentorship – where an early-career professional mentors senior colleagues – is increasingly recognized as a way to retain top talent and bridge gaps in empathy by challenging the conventional top-down flow of knowledge.?

• Leveling Up with A Lennon-McCartney Jam Sesh: John Lennon and Paul McCartney were known for their distinct personalities and strengths, which they brought together to create some of the greatest music of all time. Inspired by this collaboration, near-peer coaching is where employees of a similar level have a relatable coaching relationship. Peer coaching has been shown to foster psychological safety at work , reducing loneliness and burnout.

• Cohort-Based Development: In developing new managers into relational leaders, it’s important to mind the line between autonomy and accountability. Cohort-based training – such as “Summer School” sessions on special topics – provides a sense of shared learning and peer support for team members at critical transitions.

• Step Up Business with Music Culture: Music-inspired activities offer ROI in the form of unlocking generative thinking and dissolving interpersonal barriers through this universal language. We channeled our inner rockstars to create musician-inspired personas as a team-building activity. We discovered hidden talents in graphic design and songwriting that led to genre-defying creative mashups!

Coda - Our Conclusion

I look forward to people listening to what I do, digesting it, and finding meaning in it. And then they take the baton and do their own thing, whatever it is. I see people playing in the street, and they say, ‘Your music changed my life.’ And it’s like, ‘Wow!’ – Paul McCartney

In the end, Listening for Growth is a conscious act of service in the pursuit of more reciprocal, humble, and caring working relationships. How we choose to give our time, energy, and attention – even if it’s “just listening” – is how ordinary teams become extraordinary collaborations.?

Paul McCartney's reflection on music captures a beautiful facet of teamwork. It’s being great at what you do, then inspiring others to bring out the light within themselves. Handing the prism to the next person allows them to become co-authors in a kaleidoscope of opportunities to be creative, make a difference, and turn what they love to do into something extraordinary.?

Footnote: My Music Muses

These music icons illustrate how I see teamwork. They remind me that coming together, like in a band, makes our talents shine so much brighter. That’s why "Listening for Growth" is an essential beat in my soundtrack for success.

• Rick Rubin is a renowned record producer and author known for his minimalist approach and ability to bring out the best in artists.?

• Phil Collins, celebrated for his contributions to Genesis and soundtracks in the film “Tarzan”, reminds me to ‘never stop drumming.’

• Dave Matthews Band reminds me that “who you’re with” is what makes a workplace “the best of what’s around.”?

• Prince is admired for his genre-blending versatility, social activism, and musical innovation ahead of its time. He often used the color purple as a symbol of creativity and enlightenment.?

• Paul McCartney has had a profound influence on music history. His talent for blending pop sensibility and exceptional lyricism was brought alive through the magic of collaboration.

*Researcher Spotlight: Barbara L. Fredrickson, PhD, a former advisor of mine at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, is one of the most highly cited contributors to the science of positive psychology. Her trailblazing research continues to inspire my thinking on emotional flourishing and teamwork in organizations.?

[quote callout] Co-experienced positive emotions - perceived positivity resonance - is connected to people's tendencies to be kind, to see a universal human nature, to be humble… The element of behavioral synchrony may be one of the reasons why we feel closer to others while doing activities such as dancing to the same music.? – Dr. Barabara L. Fredrickson, The Courageous Life podcast, The Key to Resilience, Growth, and Possibility