The Power of the Other: The startling effect other people have on you, from the boardroom to the bedroom and beyond-and what to do about it

by Henry Cloud

Another source of energy and new information for leaders is what I call the listening tour. These are structured, intentional interactions or touchpoints with employees meant to identify the sources of negative energy that may be affecting an individual’s, a team’s, or the company’s performance. I encourage the leader to listen and work through topics that have become a drain to employees, especially in areas where the company itself and its leadership have enacted policies or strategies that have caused difficulty and distress. Don’t shy away from addressing the negative energy. That alone—listening—brings positive energy to the group and can begin to transform it.