The Hidden Trap of Active Listening

Have you ever been in a conversation where someone nodded, said “yep” or “go on”… but you knew they weren’t really listening?  In this episode of The Leader’s Kit Bag, I take a look at what real listening feels like for the person on the receiving end.  I unpack common “active listening” techniques we’ve all been taught, and explain why they’re not enough on their own.  You’ll learn: Why gestures like nodding and affirmations can feel hollow How to use paraphrasing and summarising to prove you’re listening The subtle pitfall of focusing too much on “looking like” a good listener The number one shift you need to stay fully present in conversation  If you want the people you lead to feel genuinely heard and understood, this short episode is packed with practical insight.  Need Support With Leadership Training, Coaching or a Conference Speaker?  If this episode resonated with you and you're looking to strengthen your leadership culture, let's talk.  Whether it’s a bespoke leadership programme, executive coaching, or a keynote that connects on a human level, I’d love to support you.  Drop me a line at chat@ben-morton.com or fill in the contact form on my website. Let’s build leadership that listens — and leads. 

Om Podcasten

The Leader’s Kitbag is the podcast that reveals what it really takes to lead and scale successfully—whether you’re growing a company, a business unit, or a team inside a larger organisation. Hosted by leadership expert Ben Morton, the show blends practical tips with deep insights through three distinct formats: #1. Leading the Scale-Up – Candid, long-form interviews with CEOs, founders, senior leaders, and authors who’ve faced the real challenges of scaling. These episodes dive into the key decisions, hard-earned lessons, and people-first strategies that made the biggest difference. #2. Leader’s Kitbag Episodes – Short, solo episodes (just 6 minutes) with Ben, sharing no-nonsense leadership and management advice you can apply immediately. #3. Shorts – High-impact clips from interviews past and present—including Leading the Scale-Up and the archive of The Ben Morton Leadership Podcast—designed to give you insight and inspiration in under 3 minutes. At the heart of every episode is the belief that great businesses are built by great people—and that human connection is the true currency of leadership. If you're looking for honest conversations, actionable tools, and a clearer path to leadership success, this is your kitbag for the journey.