The Power of Speaking Last : A Leadership Superpower

Picture this: you're in a team meeting, brainstorming ideas for a big project. The leader starts the discussion with their thoughts, and suddenly the tone is set. Ideas begin to align with what the leader said, and diverse perspectives are left unexplored.

It's not intentional, but it happens often. As leaders, how we communicate shapes the room-and one of the simplest yet most powerful tactics is learning to speak last.

Why Leaders Should Listen First

When leaders dominate the conversation early, we can unintentionally limit creativity and innovation. Team members may feel pressured to align with our viewpoint, even if they have different, valuable perspectives. Listening first creates an open environment where everyone feels safe to contribute.

This concept ties to a form of psychological safety: the sense that the team can share ideas without fear of judgment. Speaking last can help foster this safety, allowing quieter voices to surface and encouraging a wider range of contributions. Listening first shows your team that their thoughts matter, which builds trust and deepens engagement.

How Speaking Last Benefits Decision-Making

When you hold back your perspective, you allow the team’s collective intelligence to emerge. Studies show that diverse teams make better decisions, but only when all members are heard. By listening first, you’re gathering insights that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Waiting to speak also gives you more time to process and assess the discussion. Instead of reacting, you can respond with clarity and thoughtfulness. It’s not about staying silent; it’s about reserving your voice for when it has the most impact.

Practical Tips for Speaking Last

To read my practical tips for developing your leadership superpower, head to the full free article on my Substack