I recently picked up the book Unlearning by Scott and Alison Stratten. In the book, they highlight insights from ProjectDiane CEO Lauren Maillian that struck a chord with me. She explains that what keeps leaders sharp, connected, and relevant in any industry is listening. Not just to peers or experts, but especially to the people you lead.

Lauren describes how her team regularly sends her articles, highlights trends, and flags emerging issues across sectors. She calls this the Beyoncé Effect: the reason Beyoncé remains a fan-favourite year after year is because she listens to her fans, adapts, and evolves. Leaders can and should do the same.

So how do we bring the “Beyoncé Effect” into shelter operations?

I would say this wisdom translates directly into the world of shelter operations and the work of ending homelessness. The most transformative leaders in our sector don’t lead from an echo chamber. They lean in with open ears, practicing curiosity and humility. They seek insights not only from policymakers, researchers, or funders, but from frontline staff, program participants, and community partners.

Listening is not a passive act. It’s an intentional practice of staying close to what’s real and emerging, of noticing where needs are shifting, and of being willing to be surprised by the wisdom of others.

Do you remember what it felt like to want to be heard?

Every leader was once new, brimming with ideas and energy, hoping someone in power would take them seriously. We remember the frustration of wanting our voice to matter, of believing we could help shape innovation for real social change. That memory is a compass. It reminds us why it’s so vital to listen now.

Yes, you may be smart. Yes, your voice might carry weight today. But to remain sharp, grounded, and innovative, you must continue to make space for others’ voices. Listening is not a sign that you’ve run out of ideas but rather it’s how you keep advancing.

As the Strattens remind us in Unlearning: “You can’t live in a glass house and stay connected to the streets.” That line feels especially urgent for leaders in our field. If we insulate ourselves from the voices of frontline workers, shelter guests, or others navigating homelessness, we risk becoming irrelevant to the very change we’re working toward.

The call, then, is simple but demanding: lead like Beyoncé. Stay curious. Stay humble. Keep your ears open. And remember that the people around you – especially those you lead – can be your best source of insight, innovation, and connection.