Want better decisions and stronger buy-in? Speak last.

When leaders jump in too early, they shape the conversation before it begins. If you want better input, deeper trust, and stronger teams, start by listening.

When I was younger, I didn’t realize I had a leadership skill. I was a shy introvert who rarely spoke first. I thought that made me less of a leader.

But looking back, it gave me something powerful: I listened a lot. I rarely spoke first. And when I did speak, I made it count, either through a question or an impactful comment.

Years later, I came across a story from Nelson Mandela that reinforced this idea. He said when his father met with other elders, he noticed two things:
- They always sat in a circle.
- His father was always the last to speak.

It left a lasting impression on him and on me. Because leadership isn’t always about speaking. It’s about creating space for others to contribute, be heard, and be seen.

The tip for today:
Listen first.
When practical, speak last.

You’ll be surprised what people share when you leave them space to talk.