As a communication consultant I am often asked, “What is the most important communication skill that managers and leaders bring to the table?” Hands down the skill is listening. That does not negate the importance of other verbal and non-verbal communication skills, but research shows that as individuals rise in the organization, so does the amount of time they spend listening. Listening is an Underdeveloped Communication Skill Many of us don’t consider listening as a separat

Family-Owned Businesses Need Strong Leaders and Succession Plans Because organizations are measured by results, they are always looking for ways to improve the bottom line. Growth is one way to achieve this. What underlies the success of an expansion strategy is a company’s talent – especially the skills and behaviors of its leaders. While many larger organizations have established leadership development programs and succession plans in place, start-ups and smaller family-own