Active listening is different from hearing. Hearing is simply one of the five senses, whereas listening is an acquirable skill. It is one of the greatest assets a leader can possess. I began my career in post-secondary education as an English Language Arts teacher. I was an empathetic teacher that many students would turn to for advice and guidance. At the time I did not realize that I was using active listening skills to encourage students to share their experience with me. I was doing what came naturally to me as a mother and an educator.

Ten years ago, I transitioned to an administrative role in an Early Childhood setting. I had learned through my education and experience how to relate to children of all ages, but what I had not been prepared for was how to relate to adults. The administrative role turned into a supervisory role as an assistant director and before I was ready, I was a director. It pains me to admit that all my practice in active listening went right out the door when I began in this position. I was so concerned with learning the regulations, operating the center, and providing quality care that I lost focus on the wellbeing of the education staff. I reflect on the times that staff tried to call off, and I questioned them, which I now realize made them feel pressured to come to work. I was so concerned with ratios and keeping classrooms open that I let the quality of care invested in the teachers decline. It did not help that I held everyone to the same standard as I held myself. I was working fifty plus hours a week, some days open to close. I did not comprehend why the teachers were resistant to doing the same. I was known for saying, “There isn’t any job I’m not willing to do,” so I felt everyone else should also be willing to fill in when and where needed.