• An article on Gifts Great Leaders Give Their People
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• Attention - Many of us are starved for it. Simply feeling seen and heard can increase motivation and commitment. And leaders who pay attention - by walking around, talking to people, asking questions, listening rather than speaking - give themselves the gift of richer, more honest and useful information.
• "Yes, and" - This foundational improv principle simply means accept what is offered and build with it. Good and generous leaders give the gift of building with what they see and hear - with what exists, BECAUSE it exists.  By doing so, they develop deeper more trusting relationships, and have access to better more innovative solutions to issues.    
• Status - Face it, feeling respected and powerful is a fundamental human desire. Those in positions of authority can become blind to the privileges they have. We forget that others do not have the flexibility, attention, care-taking that we enjoy. By honoring others publicly, complimenting them authentically, and conferring real autonomy and authority, leaders can give the gift of status, one of the most valued gifts of all.  
• Room to Fail - Improvisers speak about celebrating failure because they know that it is only in a culture where failure is REALLY okay, not just tolerated as a cringe-worthy evil, that creativity and collaboration can thrive.  

By cultivating a mindset of delighting others and giving the gifts mentioned above, leaders become more effective, more influential, and more appreciated. 

Good listening is more than being able to track facts and information. It also includes being able to grasp intention and emotion and values. A good listener ponders such questions as: How does the speaker feel about what she is sharing? What does he want? Why is she telling me this? To exercise deep listening - and to give the gift of letting someone feel really heard - try this:

• Ask someone to tell you about a pet peeve or recent annoying encounter.  
• Listen quietly.
• When they are done feed back to them as much data as you can remember  - the facts and details.
• Then (and this is the cool part) share with them what you heard the "care about". These may be things like: respect, efficiency, making a good impression,  or fairness.  
• Switch roles and have your partner reciprocate. Discuss how it feels to be listened to in such a complete way.