The Power of Listening: How Coaching Can Transform Leadership

Welcome to Unfold Purpose. This first reflection begins with a conversation that stayed with me—and reminded me why I decided to create this space.

A young professional had asked for guidance from a more experienced colleague. Advice was given with care, but a different path was chosen. Months later, uncertainty crept in, and the decision was questioned.

What stayed with me wasn’t the outcome—it was the way the conversation unfolded. The advice was comprehensive. The intention was good. But I felt that something was missing: perhaps space? Space to explore. To reflect. To connect the decision to something deeper within?

That moment reminded me why I started Unfold Purpose.

I have been noticing during my professional experience that so many people—especially younger generations—aren’t just looking for answers.

They’re looking for meaning.

They want to feel heard, not just helped.

They want to lead their lives with purpose, not just follow a plan.

And that’s why I believe we need to rethink how we lead.

Why Listening Matters in Leadership

In today’s workplace, younger generations are asking for something different from what our society is used to. They want to understand the why behind their work.

They want to feel that their voice matters.

Sometimes, leadership is still rooted in giving advice:

“Here’s what I would do.”

“Just follow this path.”

“Trust me—I’ve been there.”

But even well-meaning advice can sometimes shut down reflection.

It can make people feel like they’re being told what to think, instead of being invited to

think for themselves.

In my experience, what this generation of professionals is asking for is space!

Space to explore their own values.

Space to connect their work to something meaningful.

Space to grow into who they’re becoming.

And leadership doesn’t only happen in boardrooms—it happens in teams, families,

classrooms, and communities.

This is where coaching comes in:

Coaching isn’t about having all the answers!

It’s about asking better questions and inviting silence.

It’s about listening—really listening—without jumping in to fix or direct.

It’s about helping someone discover their own path, not handing them a map.

When leaders adopt a coaching mindset, something shifts:

• Conversations become more open.

• Trust deepens.

• People feel seen, not just managed.

Coaching, in this context, means supporting someone by listening deeply and helping

them find their own answers—rather than giving direct advice.

And when people feel seen, they show up with more purpose, creativity, and commitment.

Reflection Prompts:

• When was the last time you felt truly listened to at work?

• How do you respond when someone asks for guidance—do you give advice, or ask

questions?

• What would change if your team felt safe to explore their own answers?

• How can you bring more curiosity into your leadership style?