The Optics of Listening

Leaders love to say they’re listening. But in high-stakes moments, it’s not what you hear that counts — it’s what people see.

If your “listening” looks staged, you’ve already lost. Token consultations and choreographed town halls don’t build trust — they destroy it.

Here’s the reality: optics matter. People look for signals — body language, tone, whether questions are real or scripted. Listening has to look authentic because it is authentic. Anything less undermines credibility.

The CORE Take

Stakeholders judge what they see as much as what they hear. If your listening looks staged, the message won’t matter.

If your organization is preparing for tough conversations, CORE Strategic can help you align optics with authentic engagement. Let’s talk.