“Managers with deep listening skills drive 23% higher team performance (Gallup) and are 5x more likely to be promoted (HBR).”

In today’s complex workplaces – whether public agencies, multinational corporations, or nonprofits – the gap between ‘hearing’ and truly understanding costs time, trust, and results. Studies confirm that executives spend 55% of their workday listening yet retain only 25% of the information they hear (HBR).

Objective

This intensive one-day course closes that gap. Through evidence-based techniques, managers gain practical skills to decode unspoken needs, inspire teams, and drive cross-functional alignment. Participants leave with actionable strategies to boost performance, trust, and influence – immediately applicable in any organisational context.

This intensive course delivers a competitive edge, equipping middle managers with the mindset, stamina, and tools to listen with clarity, empathy, and influence — even under pressure.

Outline

Module 1: The Strategic Listener’s Mindset

• Science of listening: Attention, retention & neural biases
• Self-assessment: Identifying your dominant listening style
• The four pillars of managerial listening (Presence, Inquiry, Synthesis, Impact)

Module 2: Mastering Cognitive Agility

• Listening stamina: Strengthening mental presence in long or complex conversations
• Distraction control: Spotting and managing internal and external interrupters
• Stretch techniques: Tactical pausing, anchor listening, and mental summarising
• Agility under pressure: Staying present in emotionally charged or high-stakes dialogue

Module 3: High-Impact Listening Techniques

• Nonverbal intelligence: Reading cues and projecting receptivity
• Precision paraphrasing: Framing understanding for alignment
• Empathic engagement: De-escalating conflicts and uncovering needs
• Feedback mastery: Giving/receiving input with psychological safety

Module 4: From Insight to Execution

• Cross-functional alignment strategies
• Turning insights into action: Personal listening improvement plan
• Peer coaching: Practise and commit to one high-impact listening habit

Who should attend

Middle managers (public/private) with 3 to 5 years leading teams who are ready to:

• Elevate their leadership impact beyond task execution
• Unlock higher performance through psychological safety
• Become catalysts for cross-boundary collaboration

Methodology

The course is designed to include varieties of instructional methods such as:

• Mini-lectures: Clear, concise concept explanations
• Self-assessment: Personal listening style diagnostic
• Demonstrations & practice: Watch and then apply techniques
• Case discussions: Real-work scenarios (e.g., team conflicts)
• Role plays: Safe practice for tough conversations
• Group sharing: Peer experience exchanges
• Post workshop challenge

Wekie Tay's Profile

WEKIE TAY BA (Sociology and Economics), Distinguished Toastmaster (highest award in public speaking), Prof. Cert. Criminology and Behavioral Psychology, Cert. Counseling Psychology
Winner of over 247 national and regional Public Speaking Contests and Awards
Multiple-times Singapore National Impromptu Speech Champion
Multiple-times Division International Speech Champion
Multiple-times Division Speech Evaluation Champion
Multiple-times Division Impromptu Speech Champion
Multiple-times Division Humorous Speech Champion
Group Facilitator, Our Singapore Conversations
Neuro-Linguistic Programming Trainer (USA), NLP Master Practitioner
Design Human Engineering Practitioner (USA)
Mind Mastery Practitioner (Australia)
Certified Mental Toughness Coach (USA)
Certified Mental Toughness Facilitator
Certified Stress Management Consultant
Certified Neuroscience Coach
American Management Association Certified Trainer
NUS Outstanding Young Alumni Award Winner
Contributing Co-Author of International Book Award Winner, ‘Heart of a Toastmaster’
Co-Author, ‘The DNA of Success Stories:
How to Maximize Success in Your Life’
Workplace Expert and Co-Host, SPH Radio podcast series, ‘Workplace Take 2!’

Wekie Tay is a highly sought-after public speaker, regional trainer, and achievement coach with over 35 years of experience, having trained over 110,000 individuals across Singapore, the USA, and Asia. Specializing in professional excellence, leadership, communication, and motivation, he has conducted impactful sessions for diverse audiences and industries.

A Certified NLP Trainer, Distinguished Toastmaster, and Mental Toughness Coach, Wekie has won over 240 public speaking awards and held numerous leadership roles in training and Toastmasters. He co-authored the international bestseller The DNA of Success Stories and contributed to Heart of a Toastmaster, an award-winning book.

Fluent in Mandarin and English, Wekie has been featured in major media such as The Straits Times, LianHe ZaoBao, and SPH Radio, where he co-hosted the podcast Workplace Take 2!. He holds credentials in counseling psychology, criminology, and stress management, and regularly works with organizations to boost sales, leadership, and communication performance.

Wekie is passionate about helping others excel beyond excellence through dynamic, real-world training and mentorship.