How to be the most eloquent person in the room? Stop talking. Start listening. 

In this excellent HBR piece, Peter Bregman explains why, if you want people to listen, you should stop talking. 

The power of active listening

The power of active listening is one often overlooked, especially in highly competitive environments. However, it is a frightening weapon once mastered, for it will lend an unprecedented weight to your words. 

It isn’t about arguing – arguing doesn’t persuade nor convince – but rather about articulating everyone’s view around the common objective. This starts with listening to, and understanding such views. It ends with letting said views change your own from time to time. 

A leader is best when people barely know he exists

There is nothing as powerful as letting someone know that you changed for the better thanks to them. This is an incredibly powerful, yet underused, compliment. It is one you can use often when you listen more. 

A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves. Lao Tsu