Today is World Listening Day, a global observance dedicated to the art and importance of listening, held every year on July 18 in honor of Raymond Murray Schafer, a Canadian composer, environmentalist, and pioneer in the field of acoustic ecology.
Schafer believed that the way we listen to the world matters, that the soundscapes around us shape our relationships, our environments, and our inner lives. In his work, he invited people to engage in “soundwalks,” to pause and truly hear what’s happening around them, not just with ears, but with presence and intention.
While this day often features concerts, soundwalks, and listening events, leaders of people have a unique opportunity to honor World Listening Day by practicing a more intentional form of listening to their teams.
We live in a world where communication is constant, but real listening is rare. For employees, being listened to isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a sign of respect, trust, and value. Research shows that employees who feel heard are more engaged, more productive, and more loyal.
TODAY, let’s honor “World Listening Day” by being more intentional in our active listening skills. Here are a few tips:
- Put away your phone when someone is talking to you.
- Close your laptop.
- Make eye contact.
- Show with your body language that what they say matters.
- Let the other person speak first.
- Ask open ended questions, such as “how so?” or “tell me more”
- Summarize your understanding of what you heard.
Raymond Schafer taught us that we learn the most not when we speak, but when we listen to the world around us. In leadership, the same principle holds true.
So today, on World Listening Day, let’s each ask ourselves:
“Am I listening deeply enough to truly understand my people?”
