Two weeks ago, Charlie Kirk was killed in a tragic act of violence.
In the aftermath, I started paying attention to Charlie Kirk in a way that I had not before. Obviously, there are wildly different perspectives on his views and his passionate defense of them.
I noticed, however, that there was agreement from both sides on one particular quality that he seemed to have no matter who he was talking to.
Over and over, both his supporters and his critics have said the same thing: when you spoke with Charlie Kirk, you felt listened to. You might not have walked away in agreement, but you walked away feeling heard.
That’s a rare quality. And whether you agreed with Charlie Kirk or thought his beliefs were abhorrent, that quality matters.
Does Your Team Trust That You’ve Got Them?
As a leader, you’ll make choices your team doesn’t like. But if your people believe their perspective was genuinely considered, they’re far more likely to stand with you. And if they sense you are open to change—curious enough to weigh new information, even if you don’t ultimately change course—that trust only deepens.
Charlie Kirk rarely shifted his public stances, but he left behind an example of what it looks like to make others feel heard. Like him, you may have principles that you are not willing to compromise on, and when you can explain those you will attract people who agree with and will defend those principles.
There are many decisions in running a team or a company that do not rise to that level. Where your team has information, or perspectives, that you do not have access to. When you can be genuinely curious, and willing to change your mind, your leadership is more powerful whether you change your mind or not.
That clarity doesn’t stall in indecision. It moves.
Get Input, then Pick Now
Leadership isn’t about waiting for perfect clarity. But it is about considering different perspectives. It’s about gathering input, listening deeply, and then making the call. Not just once, but again and again. Each pick builds momentum. Each pick shapes the future.
Curiosity. Listening. Decisive action. That’s how leaders pick now and keep building forward.
When was a time when you were genuinely curious, and how did it impact your team and your leadership?