Leaders should focus on developing which of the following skills during counseling?

Active listening is a crucial skill for leaders to develop during counseling sessions because it enhances communication, builds trust, and fosters a supportive environment. When leaders actively listen, they demonstrate that they value the thoughts and feelings of their subordinates, which can lead to improved rapport and open dialogue. This skill allows leaders to fully understand the concerns and aspirations of their team members, enabling them to provide tailored guidance and constructive feedback. Active listening also helps in accurately interpreting verbal and non-verbal cues, ensuring that leaders respond appropriately to the needs of those they are counseling.

In contrast, while creative writing, multitasking, and time management are useful skills in different contexts, they do not directly contribute to the effectiveness of a counseling session in the same way active listening does. Creative writing may assist in drafting clear and engaging messages, but it does not impact the interpersonal exchange during counseling. Multitasking, although sometimes necessary, can detract from the focus needed in a counseling conversation, making it less effective. Time management is important for scheduling and planning discussions but does not enhance the quality of communication itself in the counseling process. Thus, the emphasis on active listening underscores its fundamental role in successful leadership and counseling relationships.