EP17: Listen to Get It!

EP17: Listen to Get It!

From Born to Win by Brian Proctor

February 23, 2026 · 12 min

About this episode

In this episode, Brian Proctor teaches the importance of listening to understand rather than to respond, highlighting its impact on communication and relationships.

Most people think they’re good listeners. But if we’re honest… most people aren’t really listening — they’re waiting. Waiting to speak.Waiting to give advice.Waiting to disagree.Waiting to tell their story. In this episode of Born to Win, I teach one of the most overlooked success skills there is: listening to understand. Not to respond — to understand. Because real listening doesn’t just improve communication. It can transform your relationships.Strengthen your leadership.Calm your nervous system.And change the way people experience you. I also show why listening is incomplete without the ability to ask better questions — the kind that open thinking instead of shutting it down. You’ll learn: The difference between listening to respond vs. listening to understand Why listening is one of the clearest expressions of kindness A powerful principle from improv: “Yes, And” How great leaders guide through questions, not control The 7-day practice that will instantly upgrade your conversations This is a simple skill… but it’s rare. And once you practice it, people can feel the difference. Simplified Success in 15 Minutes or Less. Join us for A Live Conversation about Paradigms, Goals…

People in this episode

Host: Brian Proctor

Topics covered

  • listening
  • communication
  • leadership
  • relationships
  • self-improvement

Keywords

  • listening skills
  • questions
  • improv
  • kindness
  • conversations

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Proctor’s Principles Coaching, Masterclass

Books & works: Born to Win, A Live Conversation about Paradigms, Goals & Intuition

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