Reactionary Behavior and Assertion

Effective communication and the role of listening

Effective communication involves listening and responding, and it would be lacking without any of these two components. Listening is crucial in the workplace since it decides whether or not teamwork is possible. Listening was recognized as one of the most important abilities required for success in any workplace as early as the 1900s. It is clear from the essay by Whitehorne (2010) that listening should not be limited to employees. Leaders, particularly managers and supervisors, should pay attention to their subordinates since doing so facilitates communication. In as much as it is a complex behavioral skill, listening forms one of the most significant components of communication.

The significance of listening in the workplace

Listening is a complex process and it involves paying attention to the needs and wants of people when communicating. Without listening, it is impossible to respond and thus the process of communication is hampered. The article by Whitehorne (2010) is an analysis of the role of listening in a work place environment. The authors target leaders in any organization where they indicate that without listening, leaders become ineffective communicators. The researchers say "organizations work well when people listen to each other…The way a leader leads discussions is significant. Not only can she model excellent leading, but she can look after the listening of other people" (Whitehorne, 2010, p. 37). From the excerpt, it is evident that listening is a significant skill for leaders in any work place as it gives them an opportunity to relay information as well as check the understanding of other people.

Listening as a vital component of successful organizations

Whether listening is done from an active, empathetic or from a mediation perspective, it still provides an immensely significant ingredient in communication. For a lot of successful organizations today, listening is part of the processes that delineate success. For instance, most conflicts and difficult situations are common in any work place and they can be handled effectively through communication. Additionally, employees and leaders communicate their satisfaction or lack of approval through various channels. All these situations are handled through meetings where effective communication is paramount. Whitehorne (2010) makes it very clear that this completes the area of organizational listening. Without this process, most organizations fail to function as a team resulting to a lot of losses, conflict and misunderstanding. It is impossible to survive in such an environment as an employee as well as a leader.

The impact of listening on social relationships in organizations

The explorative study by Whitehorne (2010) confirms that listening is related to cognitive, social and other relational aspects in an organization. Considering that communication involves both leaders and other subordinates in an organization, listening plays a significant role in the development of social relationships. Whitehorne (2010) suggests that employees are bound to communicate easily with a leader they believe listens to them. For instance, employees are certain that a leader listened when any complains are acted upon. Similarly, when suggestions produce results employees tend to feel accepted. In such an environment, it becomes easy for the leader to form a strong bond with the subordinates.

The importance of listening for effective communication and leadership

From the existing details, it is evident that an ingredient of successful and effective communication is listening. Organizations thrive on team work which is sustained through effective communication. Listening is supposed to be from the perspective of subordinates as well as the leaders. Most of the time, employees are subjected to the aspect of listening which ends up being more of coercion. However, it is clear that employees form a strong relationship with their leaders only when the leaders are deemed good listeners. Thus, listening is part of communication and good leaders are those who communicate while paying attention to the needs and wants of the people around them.

Reference

Whitehorne, S. (2010). Listen then lead. Associations Now, 35-38.