As the leader of an organization, you must set the tone for communication. Your communication must be consistent, clear, and courteous.

As a Leader, you must also be a good listener. When you don’t listen…

• You stop gaining wisdom.
• You stop “hearing” what is being said.
• Your Team members stop communicating.
• Your indifference begins to spread to other areas.

Ultimately, poor listening leads to hostility, miscommunication, and a breakdown of team cohesion.

To employ this leadership style, give yourself a 360-degree listening review. Ask for feedback concerning your listening skills from your boss or mentor, your colleagues, and your subordinates. If you don’t get good grades from all of them, then quiet down and listen up. This is one of the most effective ways to improve as a communicator.