The Power of Listening in Innovation

Sarah Bodo
Jun 22
3 min read

Updated: 31 minutes ago

For a long time, I didn’t feel like I belonged in automation — a field often driven by deep technical expertise. The truth is that I was coding, testing, and supporting systems. I even dreamed of building something new from scratch. However, there was a quiet voice inside me whispering: "This isn't quite it."

I didn’t want to dive deeper into the tech. I wanted to understand the people. What are their challenges? Where are they stuck? What sparks their energy?

Every time I stepped into an emerging space, I felt a deep pull. There was a quiet sense that listening could be a kind of innovation.

I came from the automation world, and for a long time, it felt like home. It was like a family. When the Digital Innovation Hub focused on automation, I leaned in naturally.

Embracing Change

A fellow once showed me that I didn’t need to reinvent the wheel to make a difference. Instead, spotlighting the incredible work already underway could be just as powerful. He gave me the confidence — and the space — to step into my strength. I learned to see the big picture, recognize what’s missing, and help others shine in their own light. ✨

We didn’t build new tools right away. We built trust. We created moments for people to share what they were already working on. This allowed those ideas to be seen and appreciated.

Spotlighting Strengths Over Tools

With time, I was asked to form a team to continue this work in the innovation space. I knew I didn’t want to lead by doing it all myself. I wanted to lead by amplifying the right people to help:

One team member brought an extraordinary gift for structure. He provided documentation and clarity, aligning people and processes that once seemed chaotic.
Another member offered deep empathy. She picked up on unspoken needs, ensuring everyone felt heard, and created a safe space to explore new ideas.

As for me, I held the bigger picture. I cleared the path, protected their time, and made sure they had what they needed to thrive. Sometimes, they pushed back on me. “Sarah, let’s finish one idea before we start the next!” — and I loved it. We built trust.

Together, we explored the future of automation. Our focus wasn’t just on tools, but on meaning.

The Role of Listening in Innovation

Listening is an underappreciated skill in any innovation effort. It shapes the way teams interact and collaborate. When people feel heard, they are more willing to contribute their ideas. Listening can create a vibrant culture of innovation—one that flourishes with fresh perspectives.

When leaders prioritize listening, they establish an environment where creativity can thrive.

Here are some key aspects of effective listening:

Active Engagement: Show genuine interest in what others are saying. This encourages openness.
Empathy: Understand the feelings and motivations behind ideas. It shows you value others’ contributions.
Feedback Loop: Take the information gathered and give thoughtful feedback. This reinforces trust and encourages ongoing dialogue.

By embedding the importance of listening into the core of innovation efforts, teams can amplify their collective strength.

What Leaders Can Take Forward

💡 A few things I’ve seen over and over:

Trust takes time — but space helps.
People show up when they feel safe.
Innovation flows when honesty has room to breathe.

Our work supported the automation organization, but there was more to it. It reminded us that technology matters — but people make it matter.

That’s the kind of leadership I want to practice and help others tap into. It's not only about doing the work. It’s about creating conditions where others can grow, shine, and feel seen in their strengths.

The future of innovation isn’t built in silos or presentations. It’s built in trust, in teams, and in people who feel safe enough to speak, strong enough to act, and supported enough to thrive.

Sometimes, all it takes is someone willing to listen.

🌀 Reflective Questions for Leaders

Here are some reflective questions to consider:

Do you know your strengths and those of your team?
Are you aware of what each person needs to thrive?
Can your team articulate your purpose clearly and how it supports others?
What obstacles are present right now — and do you feel supported as well?

👉 Take a moment to check in with yourself — and your team. Small reflections can spark big shifts.

Find Your Wave,

Sarah 🌊