Before I delve into the abyss of the communication world, I want to pose a question for millennials either holding a subservient position, or looking on the job market:

What do you consider to be the most important part of communication–especially within the professional realm?

If you feel inclined, drop a comment below with your answer or reasons why you disagree with what I consider the most important element.

Many people believe it to be clarity in the message you are trying to get across. Maybe, you consider mere competence and the ability to say profound or thought-provoking remarks most important in the eyes of your boss. What if I told you that these things, in the grand scheme of things, are deemed rather tertiary in the eyes of employers?

What I described above are considered to be more in the avenue of "hard skills". These are traits that can be taught, learned and nurtured into individuals with relative ease. For example: If I started a job working for a Senator in the state of California, I would not be able to eloquently and concisely talk to my boss about how proposition 56 affects his constituents; and that will not dissuade my boss from holding hope in my potential. The reason being, this is something that I can learn through exposure and self-motivated fastidiousness. The process by which I am able to prove to my boss that I can grasp such concepts is the most prized ability of all.

The ability to discern for myself–through exposure and keeping my ears open and mouth shut–is a more esteemed skill in the eyes of an employer. These are known as "soft skills". These skills are derived from abilities to problem solve, critical think and allow yourself to judge matters askew from methods/avenues that are ubiquitous. In this "soft skill" category, employers have consistently singled out one trait that astronomically outshines all others in value. It's something that isn't taught in text books. It's a trait that is so covertly implicit that it has become overlooked in our generation. It's the most important piece of communication: listening.

Being a competent and exceptional communicator is not possible without concerted efforts at active listening. Active listening, despite what you may think, is so often overlooked that many don't even think of listening when hearing the word communication. If, in an interview with an employer you are eager to impress, you only focus in on what you are going to say next like a pre-programmed robot, you're just another prospect with great "hard skills" but void of any "soft skills". Often times you will find that intellectual merit does not always outshine communicative keenness. When employers are hiring, they are looking for longevity. Having an employee for a longer period of time means less money spent constantly training new employees, and better bonds established with clients due to lengthy relationships and greater chemistry in the workplace. With hiring people with greater active listening skills, employers expect greater longevity due to the guaranteed growth, precise execution and better relationships throughout the workplace.

"Communication is key" is a colloquial phrase that has become a widely recognized axiom. However, only a sharp mind can recognize the value in the listening component of communication and only an experienced mind recognized when an individual posesses that value.