Profiles In Leadership - Taking The Right Steps

vision, and values to inspire and align team members toward shared goals.

When leaders communicate authentically, they foster an environment in which individuals feel heard, valued, and respected. As Men (2021) points out, genuine communication from leaders — marked by responsiveness and assertiveness — greatly boosts employee engagement and improves relational outcomes within the organization. By prioritizing authentic communication, leaders can nurture a culture where employees feel appreciated, motivated, and dedicated to shared goals, ensuring long-term success and resilience. Resources: Men, L. R. (2021). The impact of startup CEO communication on employee relational and behavioral outcomes: Responsiveness, assertiveness, and authenticity. Public Relations Review , 47 (4), 102078. Listening is one of the most underestimated leadership skills. While many leaders focus on delivering messages, they often struggle to engage in effective listening. Active listening is not passive; it requires effort, attention, and a genuine desire to understand others. As Younger (2024) notes in her article Leadership and the Art of Active Listening, “Listening at work is flawed because people don’t feel safe telling the truth, and listening is often one-sided, so it rarely produces the results or The Art of Active Listening

53