Over the past few weeks, I’ve stepped into one of my most cherished new roles—being an aunt to an adorable little angel. Spending time with this sharp and curious two-year-old has been immensely fulfilling and therapeutic. What has fascinated me most is how quickly she picks up new words. Not only does she repeat them instantly, but she also uses them later in the right context, almost flawlessly.
It’s a delight to watch how her tiny mind absorbs everything around her with such attentiveness. As I was watching her in awe, my mom told me, I and my sibling had picked up 4 languages by the time we were 3 years old.
As a Behavioral Neuroscience coach & trainer, this experience made me pause and reflect. If we are born with such incredible listening abilities—able to absorb language and meaning almost instinctively—why do listening skills emerge as one of the most common gaps in adulthood? Why do we hear phrases like “Listen carefully” as children, and later in workplaces encounter feedback like “You missed the essence of the discussion” or “You seem distracted”?
Somewhere along the way, are we losing touch with this natural gift?
Learning- Early in Life
Listening begins long before we enter the world. Studies show that by the 26th week of pregnancy, a baby can already hear sounds in the womb. Towards the later stages, the fetus even begins to recognize familiar repetitive voices. From the moment a child is born until about the first year of life, listening is the only way to learn words, grasp language, and express emotions.
This explains why toddlers are natural masters of listening. Every interaction is a learning opportunity. As we grow older, we begin to rely more on other senses—seeing, touching, observing—to interact with the world. Slowly, the conscious practice of listening starts to diminish.
The Listening Gap
The decline of listening skills is not only anecdotal—it is backed by research.
A recent study shows that 68% of executives consider active listening is essential for effective leadership. Yet less than 2% of professionals have ever received formal training/ coaching in active listening.
These gaps explain why so many workplace conflicts, missed instructions, and failed collaborations stem from poor listening.
Listening as a Leadership Competency
Unlike early stages in our careers, where technical expertise may matter most, leadership roles demand the ability to listen deeply—both to what is said and what is unsaid.
Active listening allows leaders to:
Listening is more than a communication tool. It is an act of respect, a way of building trust, and a skill that strengthens relationships. Whether in boardrooms, classrooms, or family rooms, listening has the power to transform interactions.
Rediscovering the ‘Skill’ We Were Born With
Watching the little angel has been a timely reminder of the natural ability we all start with—the ability to listen actively, attentively, and without judgment.
As adults, perhaps the challenge is not learning to listen but relearning it, consciously.
My learning from this reflection is simple: “If we can once again listen like children—fully present, curious, and open—we may rediscover one of the most powerful skills we already possess.”
P.S: My mighty little inspiration for this article: Cucu 🙂
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August 29th, 2025 at 11:26 pm
Wah,, it was like reading a synopsis of a research paper.. Truly thought provoking… Very well penned…. Simple but Strong writing…. 👏👏
August 30th, 2025 at 9:50 am
WOW
August 30th, 2025 at 11:33 am
What a emotional touch,, a day today experience penned in such lovely way, very very proud that i know someone personally who has this immense talent ,
Continue to write and yes just continue writing
August 30th, 2025 at 11:33 am
Thank you so much 😊
August 30th, 2025 at 11:34 am
Thank you so much 😊
August 30th, 2025 at 11:35 am
Lovely read 😃
August 30th, 2025 at 1:39 pm
Wonderful! Awesome Article! Listening – Much needed life skill!
I feel listening is an art. Being a teacher, I need to have lots of patience to listen.
Listening to students actually builds their confidence and for most of the problems, we get solutions.
Children, as they grow, at school they tend to have less patience. They are focused on listening. Well, we are responsible to include this *Listening skill* at school as a curriculum.
At times everyone has distractions in listening. Its human tendency. We should make a habit of listening carefully to the one who speaks to us. It does magic.
August 30th, 2025 at 10:51 pm
Wow. Great read with plethora of information regarding the importance of listening maam. Great work .
August 30th, 2025 at 10:52 pm
Thank you 😊
August 31st, 2025 at 8:20 am
Woww !! So thought provoking !!
Very well written Preethi.
Proud of you
August 31st, 2025 at 8:20 am
Thank you 😊
August 31st, 2025 at 8:21 am
Woww !! So thought provoking !!
Very well written Preethi.
Proud of you
September 1st, 2025 at 8:03 am
Very beautiful and meaningful aricle
September 2nd, 2025 at 4:46 pm
Well put across… Yes, we have lost the impact on usage of ears… If only we start paying attention and add curiosity, we can be better listeners… Good one Preethi
September 2nd, 2025 at 4:46 pm
Thank you 😊
September 16th, 2025 at 12:15 pm
Hi Magpie: to take the listening challenge to its logical conclusion, an adult (read anyone above 5 years age) finds it difficult to listen are multifold.
A child listens and absorbs because anything they hear is heard for the first time in their life. Adults have the same tendency. If it is new, they are likely to listen with a little more focus.
A child listens and absorbs because they do not have any prior experience to connect it to. Adults however will always try to connect something they hear to what is already stored in their mind. And during this process of input, analysis, connection, and storage of what they have just heard, they miss what came next. That is why an adult can’t hear continuously for more that 12 to 15 seconds.
A child listens and absorbs because they do not have an ego. QED.
So to truly listen like a child, put aside your ego, and your experiences as much as possible.
I must thank you for your article, because it triggered all this in me – I must practice naive listening some more.
September 22nd, 2025 at 10:26 am
Thank you sir 🙏🏽😊
September 29th, 2025 at 10:14 am
Hi preethi. Written so well. Thought provoking.🙏👌
September 29th, 2025 at 10:30 am
It was a great Read❤️
March 11th, 2026 at 6:25 pm
Beautifully articulated! As a parent of two, I witness this natural listening ability every day—it’s a humbling reminder to be more present in conversations