The purpose of this essay is to define the correlation between effective listening and a leader. “When you speak, you repeat what you know. When you listen, you learn something new” (Dalai Lama). The qualities of an effective listener are empathy, active listening, unbiased role, and adaptability. These qualities develop better leadership, counseling, and mentoring skills as a leader.
Empathic leaders show they care, have patience, and motivate their subordinates to work harder. This action pushes Soldiers to exceed beyond the standards of their scope, yielding better results. Charismatic Leaders understand and value the beliefs, views, and opinions of their juniors. They follow leaders who give them a voice, purpose, promote growth, and a place on their team. Leaders need to relate to their Soldiers on their level, prior to making any judgements. As a servant leader, it is our duty to identify with our juniors; we were once a lost private ourselves. Empathic leaders show their subordinates they are valued members of the team. A great leader is paramount to the military of today. They possess active listening skills on an emotional level to connect and relate to their subordinates. Active listening promotes growth and development among the ranks. According to R. Lindmuth, “the key step for being a true leader is active listening” (www.greatleadershipbydan.com).
When leaders actively listen it shows they are open, free of judgement, and have an open mind.
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This skill requires the leaders to read body language, facial expressions, and unsaid truths. Participation in the dialogue, positive reinforcements, and feedback shows leaders that are genuine and truthful. Active listening gives entities the ability to communicate, show respect, and comprehend each points of view. This is a two-way communication that flows up, down, left, and right with no hindrances. “I will be fair and impartial when recommending both rewards and punishment” (Creed of the Non-Commissioned officer). The military today is made of Soldiers of all colors and different walks of life. Hence, unbiased leaders need to be culturally astute, show impartiality, and respect for their subordinates. Immature and biased leaders that make quick judgements, without proper validation, hinder and filter the decision-making process. Unbiased leaders embody the role by actively listening and personal awareness forcing them to be open-minded, fair, and impartial during judgment. This skill welcomes change and growth within the ranks. A good leader also validates their subordinates’ accomplishments for the individual soldier’s merit, not favoritism. The role of an unbiased leader takes the side of fair and right.
An effective leader listens and manages his/her subordinates with impartiality and equitable treatment. The military is changing and leaders need to adapt to the changes. Leaders need to be flexible and critically think outside the box. When faced with challenges, leaders must be critical thinkers and active listeners for feedback from their subordinates. The leaders need to be able to adapt to rapidly changing situations and use that adaptability to mitigate stress levels. Subordinates and leaders build a rapport through active listening skills, but also developing a strong bond and trust. Leaders must be flexible, develop emotional intelligence, be open-minded and a critical thinker. As stated by one of our own, “the traits we seek in today’s Army leaders include agility, adaptability, flexibility, mental and physical resilience, competence, and most importantly character” (Gen. Mark A. Milley). A great leader listens to his/her subordinates. This leadership quality reflects throughout every decision making process directly affecting Soldiers. Leaders utilizes this quality when mentoring and counseling their subordinates. .
In conclusion, effective listening teaches leaders how to be an influencer, humble, malleable, and teachable. Leader subordinate dynamics are in many ways like a marriage: communication is key. Active listening when developed overtime is paramount during mission oriented tasks. Unbiased leaders who listen to their juniors gain a different perspective and build unbreakable trust. As an NCO conducting counseling, communication must be open for honest feedback. Subordinates who feel valued and respected will move mountains, to follow their empathic leaders. Effective listening develops trust for leadership, mentoring, and counseling skills. It takes years and experience to develop a successful and effective leader. No leader starts outs as a good listener. Leaders do not accomplish active listening and fluid communicating through the ranks overnight. Leaders need to personify the role of a great leader by using active listening skills to communicate, understand, influence, adapt, and cultural awareness (ADRP 6-22). Active listening is an art, a skill that is sharpen, practiced, and developed. Leaders are not born but rather made by living the Army values and applying the leadership skillset.
- References
- Active Listening: A Critical Leadership Skill. (2020). Retrieved 18 January 2020, from https://www.jodymichael.com/blog/improve-leadership-skills-through-active-listening/
- Active Listening: the Key to Leadership Success. (2020). Retrieved 18 January 2020, from http://www.greatleadershipbydan.com/2018/06/active-listening-key-to-leadership.html
- adp6.22. (2020). Retrieved 18 January 2020, from https://usacac.army.mil/sites/default/files/misc/doctrine/CDG/adp6_22.html
- NCO Creed – Army Values. (2020). Retrieved 18 January 2020, from https://www.army.mil/values/nco.html
- What makes a good leader?. (2020). Retrieved 18 January 2020, from https://www.army.mil/article/160020/what_makes_a_good_leader
