What I Learned from a Project Where I Didn’t Listen Enough
It was a high-stakes pitch. Tight deadline, big client, a lot riding on the final deck. I walked in with a clear vision of what I thought we needed. Bold colors, strong headlines, sharp transitions. I laid it all out and charged ahead — full confidence, full throttle.
My team gave polite nods. A few raised questions. I waved them off, thinking, We don’t have time to debate. Let’s just get this done. We moved quickly. We delivered. And we lost the pitch.
The Debrief That Stung
Afterward, the client said the work felt "off." Too aggressive. Not aligned with their tone. I was stunned. The team, it turns out, had sensed this early on — but I hadn’t made room to hear it. Not really.
That project taught me something I won’t forget: speed isn’t always progress, and conviction isn’t always clarity. Listening — deep, active, uncomfortable listening — is not a luxury in creative work. It’s a necessity.
Why Creative Leadership Demands Listening
- Because every idea has a context — and that context lives in your team’s observations
- Because the best insights often sound uncertain at first
- Because trust isn’t built by always being right — it’s built by being open
As leaders, we think we’re supposed to have answers. But sometimes the best move is to slow down, ask more, and say less. Not because you’re unsure — but because you care enough to get it right with your team.
What I Do Differently Now
- I start projects with an intentional listening phase — not just a kickoff, but a sounding board
- I ask the quiet people in the room what they see that others might be missing
- I pause before making the final call — even if I think I already know
- I treat pushback as a sign of engagement, not resistance
The irony is, we spend so much time crafting messages for others — emails, slides, slogans — but sometimes the most powerful message is this: I hear you. That’s where better work starts.
Still thinking it through? Contact me here and I’ll help you get it right.