There is no question that listening is a powerful leadership skill. But is the ability to listen something we are naturally born with, or a skill that takes work? In my experience, the importance of listening can often be overlooked, yet it is one of the most important communication skills that the authentic leaders possess.

Consider Sir Richard Branson, who calls listening one of this top three leadership principles. In a recent interview in Forbes magazine, he said:

“Listening is one of the most important skills that anyone can have. That’s a very Virgin trait. Listening enables us to learn from each other, from the marketplace, and from the mistake that must be made in order to get anywhere that is original and disruptive. I learn so much from guests and employees that way.”

Sound expert Julian Treasure’s wonderful TED video, “How to speak so that people want to listen” argues, quite convincingly, that listening is an active skill that needs to be developed and practiced. Listening involves using all five senses to fully concentrate on what is being said rather than just passively ‘hearing’ the message. Smiling, nodding, mirroring, clarifying and questioning are all signs of active listening.

Our ears are made not for hearing, but for listening. Listening is an active skill, whereas hearing is passive, listening is something that we have to work at -- it's a relationship with sound. And yet it's a skill that none of us are taught.” – Julian Treasure

When we think of authentic leaders, it’s not surprising that they are also great active listeners. These leaders have learned that listening to others, and being in the moment, is critically important to being authentic. An authentic leader is someone who is genuine, real and honest. According to Bill George, author of “Authentic Leadership: Rediscovering the Secrets to Creating Lasting Value”, authentic leaders have five key qualities: they are passionate about their purpose, practice their values consistently, lead with their heart, build meaningful relationships and embrace self-discipline to achieve business results.

Listening is critical to all of these dimensions. For example, “leading with heart”, starts with compassion. George says: “It is your life experiences that open up your heart to have compassion for the most difficult challenges that people face along life’s journeys. Every day we have opportunities to develop our hearts, through getting to know the life stories of those with whom we work…”

By listening, leaders can see the world through another’s eyes, find solutions and build a open, transparent culture. Listening gives leaders the opportunity to connect with people on a completely new level, building stronger, more trusted relationships on the path to authenticity.

What can you do to improve your active listening skills? What other communication skills are most important to authentic leadership?

Carolyn Ray (@thecarolynray) is fascinated with authenticity and leadership. With a blend of experience in communications, marketing and branding, she established Interbrand’s global Brand Engagement practice and now leads the Canadian office.