When a head professional seeks input before making a decision, which skill is being practiced?

When a head professional seeks input before making a decision, the skill being practiced is encouraging open expression. This skill is critical in a collaborative decision-making process, as it fosters an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing their ideas, opinions, and feedback. By actively soliciting input, the head professional demonstrates respect for the perspectives of others and creates a culture where diverse viewpoints can contribute to more informed and effective decision-making. This approach not only enhances team cohesion but also often leads to more innovative solutions by leveraging the collective knowledge and expertise of the group.

In contrast, the other skills mentioned do not specifically focus on the act of seeking input. Stating purpose clearly refers to communicating intentions, showing understanding pertains to demonstrating empathy towards others' viewpoints, and providing a compelling rationale is about justifying decisions post-factum rather than involving others in the decision-making process. Thus, the emphasis on encouraging open expression is what sets this skill apart as the correct choice.