The art of listening

The art of listening

We are exalted by the recent statement of Dr. Koesnadi
Hardjasoemantri. The professor from Gadjah Mada University said
that our leaders need to learn the art of listening to the
people.

He said the right to express one's opinion is stipulated in
the 1945 Constitution. And the leaders need to know the
aspirations of the people in order to make the right decisions.

An American scholar, John L. Derhammer, once said that a
competent leader should be a good motivator and skilled in
planning.

But he added that this is not enough. Secondary leaders, such
as ministers, must not be power hungry and too eager to please
the boss.

Leaders should understand that they cannot do anything without
the support of their subordinates. They should also be capable of
identifying those tasks under the domain of their personal
responsibility and those under any collective responsibility.

Dr. Koesnadi did not mention such formidable requirements for
our leaders. For the professor, perhaps, thinks that the
fulfillment of the initial requirement, of listening, will
suffice. This is so because by doing it leaders will readily
exalt the sovereignty of the people.

-- Merdeka, Jakarta