The role of effective interpersonal communication in shaping organizational leadership

Purpose: Today, as organizations around the world face increasing social and economic challenges, the role of effective leadership becomes crucial to their success and sustainability. The purpose of this study was to determine whether there is a direct relationship between leaders' interpersonal communication skills and their effectiveness in problem solving, and to identify which specific aspects of communication are most influential in the context of effective leadership. Design/methodology/approach: The research was conducted using the method of online interviews (CAWI) as part of the UGB 853/2023 project, focusing on a group of 172 companies from the Polish manufacturing, service and trade sectors, representing a wide range of small, medium and large enterprises. A total of 456 respondents took part in the study. The study aimed to understand how leaders' interpersonal communication skills influence their ability to effectively deal with complex social problems within the organization. Findings: The survey results showed that 70% of respondents considered active listening to be a key factor influencing their effectiveness in solving problems. 65% of respondents rated empathy as the most influential aspect in the context of effective leadership. In addition, expressing appreciation and confirming the opinions of others was indicated by 55% of leaders, and effective feedback by 40% of respondents. Research limitations/implications: The study was limited to companies from the Polish manufacturing, service and trade sectors, which may affect the generalization of the results. Future studies will aim to expand the scope to other sectors and countries to confirm the results. Practical implications: The research results have a significant impact on the development of talent management strategies and leadership training. Companies should focus on developing leaders' communication skills to increase their effectiveness in solving problems and improving decision-making processes. Social implications: Research indicates that improving leaders' communication skills can contribute to better coping with social problems in organizations, which in turn can influence social attitudes and increase corporate social responsibility. Originality/value: The study offers a new perspective on the importance of communication skills in effective leadership, providing valuable conclusions for managers, management consultants and researchers dealing with leadership and communication.