The Lost Leadership Skill – Listening! One of the most powerful and overlooked tools in today’s leadership toolbox is the simple act of deeply listening to another person. We are not talking about the kind of listening that happens in ordinary conversations, where people are eager to raise objections, point out obstacles to any new idea, or recall how a similar idea previously failed. This module explores generous listening - listening with curiosity, with a spirit of inquiry rather than the over-used advocacy approach where ideas are debated, fresh perspectives are silenced, and enthusiasm quickly evaporates. Generous listening creates powerful “thinking partnerships” and a “thinking environment” where people are free to be far more creative and productive. Based on Nancy Kline’s book, “Time to Think”, the Thinking Environment model has been proven in companies, government agencies, universities, schools, political groups and voluntary organizations. The language of leadership begins with the four magic words “Interesting! Tell me more . . . “. Although we spend almost half of our waking hours listening, most people have never received any guidance on how to listen effectively. Leaders who master this straightforward approach to listening powerfully can truly transform an organization and unleash the group genius of their people.