The Power of a Few Minutes: Listening That Builds Trust

We’ve all been there—short on time, juggling deadlines, and trying to stay focused—when someone walks in wanting to talk.

Do any of these phrases sound familiar?

“I’m busy. Can you come back later?”
“I can’t talk right now.”
“I’m really busy, can you make this quick?”

These statements might reflect reality, but they’re often misinterpreted. The other person may hear something different: You don’t have time for me. You don’t care to listen.

The Cost of Not Listening

When we don’t take time to listen, the impact runs deep.
Unengaged listening erodes trust—and once trust is gone, relationships, influence, and collaboration suffer.

As leadership author Dave Horsager writes in The Trust Edge:

“Without trust, the transaction cannot occur. Without trust, influence is destroyed. Without trust, leaders lose teams. Without trust, organizations lose productivity, relationships, reputation, talent retention, creativity, morale, revenue, and results.”

So how can you stay productive and present when people need your attention?

Here are three practical steps to show genuine care—even when your time is limited.

Acknowledge the Person

When someone stops by your office:

• Pause what you’re doing

• Make eye contact

• Create an approachable moment

• Greet them warmly: “Hello Jordan. Good to see you.”

This takes less than a second but leaves a lasting impression. You’ve just communicated, “You matter.”

Invest Five Minutes

Ask sincerely, “What’s on your mind?”

Allow them a few minutes to share what’s important. Listen without distraction, then respond with appreciation:

“I recognize this is important to you. Thank you for bringing it to my attention.”

If time is tight, continue with transparency:

“Unfortunately, I have an appointment in five minutes. Let’s get something on the schedule soon to continue this.”

Those five minutes demonstrate your leadership brand—approachability, care, and respect. Over time, this consistency builds a reputation of being a trusted, people-centered leader.

Demonstrate and Generate Value

Follow through immediately.

If you have an assistant, walk with the person and schedule the follow-up:

“Marge, would you get Jordan on my schedule as soon as possible?”

If you manage your own calendar, set the appointment before they leave your office. Stand up, walk them to the door, and thank them again.

These gestures take less than two minutes—but the return is enormous.

Why It Matters

Every small act of attentiveness communicates value.
You’re demonstrating that the person is heard, respected, and important—and you’re reinforcing a culture of trust.

The ROI? Increased engagement, stronger relationships, and elevated leadership credibility.

The Bottom Line

Is a ten-minute investment worth the long-term return of trust, loyalty, and influence?
Absolutely.

Because communication isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about connection.
And when communication matters, people flourish and organizations thrive.

Communication Matters!©

These principles come to life in Communication Matters!©—a practical, neuroscience-informed workshop that helps leaders and teams strengthen trust, connection, and clarity in every conversation.

Through interactive training and real-world application, participants learn how to:

• Communicate with clarity and confidence

• Listen beyond the words

• Build psychological safety and belonging

• Turn everyday conversations into catalysts for transformation

Because when communication matters, leaders thrive—and so do their organizations.

To learn more about bringing Communication Matters!© into your organization, contact me at 612.209.0494 or schedule a free consultation.