Good leadership starts with people.

Leadership is often associated with making decisions. But a good decision depends on understanding people and their circumstances. Listening belongs at the centre of leadership.

Not everyone in a team speaks at the same pace or thinks in the same way. Making room for different perspectives brings new ideas and strengthens a sense of shared responsibility.

In uncertain times, it can be tempting to offer an immediate answer to every question. Being clear about what is known and what is not can also build trust. Consistent behaviour is remembered longer than a powerful phrase.

Good leadership cares about how people experience the journey as well as where they are going. Sometimes the strongest beginning is a single, thoughtful question.

This original editorial was written for this website. It is not a previously published article or a direct quotation by Ozan Özkan.