Successful, two-way communication is truly a key to anyone’s success. When it comes to leading, possibly no other trait is as powerful as listening. Scratch that – listening is really not enough. Instead, leaders need to be active participants in the listening process. As the former leader of Chrysler, Lee Iacocca, notes in his autobiography that “too many people fail to realize that real communication goes in both directions.” So many people want to tell others what to do without getting any feedback. I am sure there are times and places for such direct orders (i.e. on the battlefield while in the middle of combat), but, when the opportunity arises, a leader takes a few extra moments to listen and absorb what others feel and think. The leader tends not to rush to judgment; instead, he or she gives those under his direction a chance to speak and share their ideas and perspectives. Experts like Warren Bennis even acknowledge the great importance of active listening and openness to becoming be great leader!
Here are five other articles that I would recommend for your reading and leadership learning pleasure:
- The six skills for successful active listening by George Ambley
- Ways good leaders listen to others by J.B. Blend
- How good leaders listen by Todd Pheifer
- Leaders Must Listen With Their Eyes and With Purpose by Leanne Hoagland-Smith
- Irony of opposition leaders by Scott DeRue
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