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Some leaders are memorable because they speak often, yet influence can be exercised just (9) .......... effectively through careful listening. The strongest facilitators are often those (10) .......... notice when a quieter colleague has not been heard.
They (11) .......... not fill every pause; instead, they leave enough space for an idea to develop. This can be uncomfortable (12) .......... a group is used to quick answers, but it allows people to consider (13) .......... reasons behind their first reactions.
A leader who listens well also follows up (14) .......... what has been said, asking how a decision will affect those who were not in the room. The aim is not to make every conversation longer (15) .......... necessary, but to make it clearer (16) .......... each person is expected to do next.