LEADERS MUST LEARN TO LISTEN

Listen.. listen.. listen.. and listen some more. In order to achieve effective results, manager and leaders must leran to listen to their constituencies. Active listening is one of the most important skills of management; it carries with it the intention to understand and learn. It empowers people because it sends a caring message: it tells the person speaking that he or she is being acknowledged and respected without being judged.

Effective listening enables managers to determine what’really happening in their organizations. Bill Hewleet and Dave Packard were known for their “Management-by-walking-arround.” Listening and talking to employees at all levels of the organization.

Listening also helps clarify assumptions and uncovers interpretations that can be harmful. Effective listening skills guide managers by enabling them to know the type of direction and guidance to give. Good listening focuses on people and goes hand in hand with good management