Abstract: This paper is aimed at discussing one of the components of communication which is a requisite for any leadership position. As a leader, listening for understanding is important, as well as listening for needs and desires of those served (Steil and Bommelje, 2004; Wolvin 2010a).Therefore, transactional and transformational leaders require these listening skills as a quality to function effectively. It is also an important skill that is needed to relate with stakeholders with diverse needs, desires and expectations. Many leaders take for granted and misinterpret listening to hearing and for this reason, they run into problems in the course of leading because they cannot interpret and process what is being said by their stakeholders’. This paper adopts descriptive methodology with the use of secondary materials. The paper encompasses historical perspective of listening, concepts clarification (listening as a skill and effective leadership), importance of listening, challenges of listening and effective listening techniques. Finally, for 21st century leaders to attain and actualize their leadership goals for effectiveness, listening skills have to be acquired, developed and learned.
Keywords: Listening Skills, Tool, Leadership Effectiveness.
Title: LISTENING SKILLS: A TOOL FOR EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP
Author: Iorhen, Peter Terna
International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations
ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)
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