Today's leaders are being asked to create work environments in which bridging differences across a wide range of social identities-including gender, race, religion, age, culture, and ethnicity-becomes a core competency for everyone in the organization.

Listening well is an essential component of good leadership. You can become a more effective listener and leader by learning the skills of active listening. Working relationships become more solid, based on trust, respect, and honesty. Active listening is a critical component of the tasks facing today's leaders.