by John Louie Ramos

Created on: June 21, 2010

Listening skills play an important role in inducing respect and authority over subordinates. Through listening, leaders come to know certain ideas and concepts that might help improve the company's performance. Moreover, listening to the subordinates opinions and point of views will enhance goodwill and put the company on the right track.

Good leaders talk less and listen more as they know for a fact that knowledge and wisdom isn't achieved through open mouths but open ears. In this day and age of fast-paced living, communication seems to be in such an extreme rush. People are more involved with what they are to say than what others are to say.

They forget that, more often or not, the collective effort of many is of greater value than the sole effort of one's mind. Conversely, leaders need to listen not just to their subordinates but as well as to the customers, suppliers and even competitors.

There's an old adage that listening is a lost art, more so, it's an art that needs to be resurrected and nourished. Hence, the following are tips on how leaders can listen effectively to the people around them.

Encourage Others to Talk

Displaying a high degree of diplomacy will enhance a feeling of importance to subordinates. Once leaders ask them for their own opinion, they'll react in a more dignified manner and voice out what they feel and think about a certain proposition. Giving them a sense of importance will make them feel that they play a huge part in the firm's decision making processes and will motivate them to work harder.

Read Between the Lines

Most of the time, words are often used to conceal a deeper meaning. Good leaders know how to identify the authenticity of words and they know the true intent and meaning of words based on the gestures and actions and how it was said. Putting one's self into the shoes of the speaker is a good way to determine what the speaker truly says and feels.

Send Nonverbal Cues

Listening and hearing are two different things. Hence, when subordinates talk, leaders must give a great deal on what they're saying. Leaders must show their subordinates that their thoughts are given much value and evaluation. Making eye contact and nodding one's head are simple but effective ways to generate the impression that leaders are listening to what subordinates are saying.

Furthermore, effective listening isn't just about listening to those people who agree with what you say but listening even to those people who are in dissenting opinions and viewpoints.

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