The Importance Of Listening In Leadership

According to seasoned business professional Ram V Chary, listening skills are essential to good leadership. When you are not listening, you are not learning, and when you are not learning, you are not growing.

When listening to the people in your organization, you should have a simple objective: comprehension. It may seem like a given, but you would be surprised how often leaders fail to truly listen to employee concerns. To be an effective leader, you should make sure that you listen without critiquing, objecting, or refuting your staff members' points. This can become difficult when the employee is voicing concerns or being critical themselves, explains Ram V Chary.

The modern work environment has quickly shifted toward primarily digital communication. This evolution has led to more diverse and dispersed workforces, resulting in an increased need for leaders to be effective listeners. Despite its many benefits, the emergence of virtual workspaces can lead to interactions between leaders and staff becoming less and less personal if good listening practices are not employed, which can lead to a decrease in employee satisfaction and increased turnover rates.

A leader who is a good listener sets the tone for open and effective communication. When employees feel that they can openly communicate with their leaders, it results in a more productive and engaged workforce.

Ram V Chary emphasizes that active listening and participation by leaders are now more crucial than ever. This means being visibly present, showing interest and concern, and reflecting on what is said. It also requires leaders to be aware of their own biases and assumptions so that they do not distort or filter what they are hearing. Active listening is an essential and valuable skill that must be cultivated and perfected. This skill will help employees regard you as a leader they can trust to represent them and their concerns in the workplace.

Ram V Chary has served in various leadership positions for different companies. To learn more about him, click this link.