The Key To Success? Listening, Not Talking

(Source: MIRS.news, Published 05/04/2026) 'Tis the season. While Gov. Gretchen Whitmer was sharing her words of wisdom during a commencement speech for the graduates of Michigan State University this week, 1,300 miles west, the president of Colorado University was doing the same thing.

His topic was timely, as you are about to read.

MIRS had a grandchild graduating from the University of Colorado in Boulder, and as Spirit Airlines was unable to shuttle relatives to the gig, the family gathered around the Internet for the festivities and then got ready for another predictable commencement address from another university president. You've heard them before: Congrats on reaching this milestone, keep working hard, never give up and answer those donation letters from the alumni association.

Such were the expectations as Dr. Todd Saliman took to the podium with the Rocky Mountains as the backdrop.

It was not long before he waded into some dangerous and potentially upsetting comments depending on who was watching.

"There is one skill I want to focus on today. It is absolutely critical, deceptively simple and unfortunately in short supply today. That skill is listening," he said.

Saliman weaved his message without naming names, pointing fingers or mentioning social media. Smart man.

"In a world that offers rewards for the loudest and the most outrageous response and the biggest personality, knowing how to listen, truly listen, will set you apart … If you're the person who listens first and then speaks, I guarantee you, you will stand out," he makes a promise to his grads.

He goes on to define what listening is not.

"Listening means more than just waiting for your turn to speak. It means really hearing others and engaging with them and asking questions."

He reflected that this attitude should be extended to anyone with ideas that may or may not coincide with the students' beliefs.

And then, you might say, this most poignant and news-making observation, which so deeply applies to much of the political rhetoric today:

"Listening is how we show respect. It's how we build trust. It's how we learn what we don't already know. It's how we reach compromise, and it's how we grow … Don't talk to monopolize the conversation … The world needs your willingness and your effort to make conversations."

And he finishes with one final reflection that Michigan's governor has often used.

"Listening is how we find common ground."

Yet, while Saliman spoke, some may have wondered, how many of his students were on their devices and never heard a word of the wisdom he was sharing?