Thriving onwards

Attributes to lead

"If you make listening and observation your occupation, you will gain much more than you can by talk." -Robert Baden-Powell

As mentioned in the above quote, by listening you will be able learn what the other has to share in their experiences.

Above that by listening to others it makes the speaker feel much appreciated and respected as it foster positive and effective communication.

There are certain practices that can be developed to become a great listener.

Firstly, the listener should show attentiveness to the speaker by facing the speaker and leaning forward to show interest in the topic of conversation. Hence, body language plays a significant role in active listening.

Secondly is maintaining eye contact throughout the whole conversation and minimizing external distractions by putting your phone away for example.

Thirdly is the response to affirm one's understanding of the subject that the speaker is communicating about through body language as well as verbally. The listener can even inquire with the speaker to engage in an active conversation to create a two-way communication instead of it being lopsided.

Body language can be expressed through nodding of the head to show their understanding of the matter whereas verbally can be expressed by questions like, "What did you do afterwards?".

Two-way communication can achieved effectively by engaging yourself with the subject of conversation and relation to other matters that can be communicated with the speaker. An active listener should ask for clarification to mitigate the subject of interest and share their experiences that relate to the subject of conversation. They may also paraphrase the structure of the question to illustrate their understanding.

Finally is to have an open mind that can be achieved by waiting until the speaker has completed their conversation before making any quick decision or assumptions to agree or disagree with the speaker.

I only cover one crucial aspect of attributes of being an effective leader. However, I will give a brief summary of the qualities that a leader should possess in order to become successful in point forms that has been discussed in class.

Qualities:

• having job relevant knowledge

• passionate 

• enthusiastic

• team-spirited

• honest

• open minded

• humble

• understanding

• innovative

• generous

                        Amazing things can happen when one senses that the other is listening

                               as all of us wants to be heard and listened to.