Studies link attentive leaders with better-performing meeting teams

Research on workplace meetings suggests leaders can improve team performance by listening actively, asking respectful questions and making room for others to contribute. The growing field of meeting science examines how people interact in these gatherings, which consume a substantial share of working life.

Researchers study meetings through surveys and recordings of real or simulated discussions. One study found that teams performed better when leaders listened attentively to answers, while leaders who speak the most may judge meetings more favourably than other participants do. Virtual meetings can make active listening harder when participants stay muted.