Maria Arpa
This week…
The Power of Listening with John Cullum
Also…
Final Thoughts
In last week’s powerful episode of All Things Conflict, I sat down with John Cullum, a respected leader with decades of experience in both the corporate and nonprofit sectors.
With a background that includes senior roles at Ford Motor Company and multiple non-executive board positions, John brings a unique perspective to the complex role of conflict in leadership.
My discussion with John unpacks the evolving nature of leadership, highlighting the value of emotional intelligence, healthy debate, and above all listening.
Listening as a Leadership Superpower
John emphasizes that effective leadership starts with listening. Too often, leaders prioritize being heard over understanding others. But as he puts it:
“The best-run companies are those that engage better with their employees and listen.”
Conflict in the workplace isn’t inherently negative. In fact, healthy conflict drives growth and innovation. Constructive disagreements lead to better decisions but only when handled with care. On the flip side, unresolved or heated conflict can stall progress and damage morale.
Leadership is a privilege, not a power trip, it is a service-oriented role. It’s about making meaningful decisions that benefit both the organization and its broader community.
“The worst thing you can say is, ‘Because I said so.’ The second worst thing is, ‘Trust me.’”
John reminds us that leaders are never done learning. Staying humble, asking questions, and admitting when you’re wrong creates a culture of openness and continuous improvement.
Final Thoughts
Leadership today demands more than strategic thinking, it requires emotional intelligence, empathy, and a willingness to embrace discomfort. This episode of All Things Conflict offers a timely and inspiring perspective on how we can lead better by learning to listen, understand, and evolve.
Listen to the full episode now and join the conversation on how we can build more compassionate and effective leadership in business and beyond.
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