Why Today’s Best Leaders Listen More and Direct Less
When Stacey Ross first stepped into a leadership role, she believed success meant having all the answers. “I thought leadership was about being the expert, making quick decisions, and driving results,” she recalled. “But as I gained experience, I realized that the most effective leaders don’t just lead—they listen.”
This shift from control to influence is at the heart of modern leadership. With remote and hybrid teams, generational diversity, and evolving workplace expectations, leaders must move beyond traditional management styles. Instead of authority, the most successful leaders cultivate trust, engagement, and a high-performance culture.
Key Lessons in Leadership Influence
We spoke recently for my podcast – Inspiring Conversations. Throughout our conversation, Stacey shared invaluable insights about building high-performing teams, strengthening workplace culture, and leading with impact. Here are three key takeaways:
1. Leadership is Emotional—And Leaders Set the Tone
As a leader, your emotional intelligence has a direct impact on your team’s performance. Stacey emphasized that employees take their cues from leadership. If a leader is reactive or anxious, that energy spreads. “Your team mirrors your response. Staying calm and focused, even in uncertainty, helps build psychological safety,” she explained. Leaders who master emotional regulation and resilience foster a workplace culture of confidence and problem-solving.
2. Listening is More Powerful Than Directing
One of the most overlooked leadership skills is deep listening. Many leaders assume their role is to provide solutions, but Stacey argued that true influence comes from asking the right questions. “When people feel heard, they invest more in the outcome,” she said. Leaders who listen actively create an environment where employees feel valued, engaged, and motivated to contribute.
3. Culture is Built in the Small Moments
Organisational culture isn’t shaped by grand strategies—it’s created in everyday interactions. “It’s the small things—recognizing effort, being approachable, creating a space where people feel safe to speak up—that truly define workplace culture,” Stacey noted. Leaders who consistently reinforce positive behaviours, clear values, and open communication build teams that are both high-performing and resilient.
The Future of Leadership: Influence Over Authority
In today’s fast-changing work environment, leadership isn’t about control—it’s about connection. Leaders who listen, communicate openly, and create psychologically safe workplaces will be the ones who drive long-term success.
Stacey is an experienced CEO and Board Director and is currently the CEO for The Centre for Women and Co.; a not-for-profit organisation supporting women and their families in the Greater Brisbane area. You can connect with her via LinkedIn here.
At Carole Cooper, we help executives develop high-impact leadership strategies to transform their teams and workplace culture. If you’re ready to elevate your leadership and unlock your team’s full potential, click here to start a conversation, or view our full range of services here.
This is just a glimpse into the full conversation with Stacey Ross, where we dive even deeper into the leadership shifts shaping today’s workplaces. To hear the entire discussion, listen to the episode on Spotify. If you’d like to receive more insights on leadership, workplace culture, and team performance, sign up for Connect with Carole Cooper to stay updated on future conversations, articles, and exclusive content.
