Listening Is the Foundation of Good Leadership

Good leadership doesn’t start with having all the answers—it starts with listening. When we listen well, we learn more. Our understanding grows, our perspectives widen, and blind spots that might otherwise go unnoticed begin to fade. Listening helps us make better decisions because it keeps us connected to the real experiences of the people we serve.

As I’ve spent time talking with residents across Oshkosh, I’ve heard a deep sense of pride in our city alongside some consistent concerns. People are worried about housing affordability and whether Oshkosh will remain a place they can afford to live as it grows. They’re feeling the cost pressures that come with a growing city and want to know that growth is being managed responsibly. And many have shared that City Hall can feel out of touch with what residents actually want from their local government. I hear that people want clear priorities, transparent decisions and practical solutions.

These conversations matter. They shape how we think about policy, how we set priorities, and how we lead. Listening doesn’t mean agreeing on everything, but it does mean

respecting people enough to hear them and learn from them. I believe that when leaders listen first, they govern better. That is how we build a stronger, more responsive Oshkosh.