Good leaders listen with intention and then act on what they learn. Listening to those closest to the work provides the most meaningful and accurate information because they are the ones that know the work best. These people can share what’s working well, what needs to be improved, what problems need to be solved, what potential solutions might look like, why organizations are achieving the results they are achieving, how to scale positive results, and so much more. Listening to those closest to the work, then, provides leaders with valuable information that can be turned into actionable priorities for improvement. Therefore, effective leaders listen to those closest to the work and then act on what they hear.

In this episode, Dr. Janet Pilcher talks with Johnny Edwards, the Superintendent of the Portage Public Schools, who has made it a regular practice to listen to those closest to the work and then act on what he hears. Listen as they discuss ways to listen to those closest to the work, why listening to these people is valuable, and the benefits of listening with intention and acting with purpose.