You go to the driving range, you acknowledge that certain people

Mike Tomlin, a man known not only for his strength as a coach but for his wisdom as a leader of men, declared: “You go to the driving range, you acknowledge that certain people are naturally better at golf than others. Listening is the same way. So if you're a good listener, first of all, you need to be thankful for that, because you're blessed in that way. But you also need to acknowledge that you can get better at it, because it's a skill.” His words pierce through the noise of the modern age, teaching us that listening is not merely a passive act, but a discipline, a craft, and even a form of greatness.

The origin of this quote rests in Tomlin’s reputation as a leader of men under the pressure of the NFL. Known for his calm presence and his ability to inspire, Tomlin often spoke of qualities beyond athletic talent. He understood that the strength of a team is not found only in physical might or strategy, but in communication, in the capacity of each man to hear the other with clarity. Thus he drew a parallel to the golf range: some are gifted by nature, but even the gifted must practice if they wish to refine their art.

Throughout history, the power of listening has shaped empires and preserved peace. Consider the story of Abraham Lincoln, who in the midst of civil war was renowned for his willingness to hear out voices that opposed him. His patience to sit in silence, to absorb what others said before he answered, was not a sign of weakness but of profound strength. He was not always born to this gift; it was sharpened through years of struggle, humility, and discipline. In his listening, he gathered not only information but also the trust of his people.

Tomlin’s teaching is a reminder that listening is a blessing, but also a skill to be honed. Many speak, but few truly hear. To listen is to silence one’s own pride, to set aside the need to answer, and to dwell in the heart of another’s words. This is not an easy act, for the ego resists it. Yet just as the golfer must swing again and again to find the true strike, so must the listener practice patience, attention, and empathy until hearing becomes second nature.

To those who are naturally strong listeners, Tomlin calls for gratitude. Do not take this gift lightly, for it is rare in a world filled with endless voices clamoring to be heard. A good listener can heal wounds, strengthen families, and lead nations. But do not let natural talent lead to arrogance, for even the gifted must continue to grow. Complacency is the enemy of mastery, and every ear can be trained to hear more deeply.

To those who struggle with listening, this teaching offers hope. Just as the unskilled golfer can improve with discipline, so can the inattentive ear learn to focus. Begin with simple practices: pause before responding, ask questions rather than rushing to give answers, let silence do its work. Over time, the habit of true listening will form, and with it, the ability to connect, to guide, and to lead.

The eternal wisdom here is that listening is an act of service and strength. It humbles the self, uplifts the other, and creates a bridge between souls. It is not weakness to hear before speaking; it is power. It is not passivity to absorb another’s words; it is leadership. Thus Tomlin speaks across the generations: give thanks if you are blessed with the gift of listening, but never cease to sharpen it, for in its mastery lies the secret of wisdom, trust, and enduring influence.

Therefore, let this be the teaching passed down: practice listening as you would practice a craft. Let gratitude keep you humble, and discipline keep you sharp. In doing so, you will not only become a better friend, parent, or leader — you will become a builder of peace in a world too often deaf to the voices that cry out to be heard.