Which interpersonal skill encourages individuals to express their thoughts and feelings openly?

Encouraging open expression is a vital interpersonal skill that fosters an environment where individuals feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment. This skill is fundamental in building trust and rapport among team members, creating a sense of belonging, and enhancing communication.

When individuals are encouraged to express themselves openly, it leads to a healthier dialogue and can result in more innovative ideas, as various perspectives are shared. This open communication can prevent misunderstandings and build a collaborative atmosphere. By actively promoting open expression, leaders and team members can cultivate a more inclusive environment that values each person's input, ultimately contributing to better teamwork and problem-solving.

This is distinct from merely giving or inviting feedback, which relates more to providing responses or critiques on expressed thoughts, rather than creating the space and encouragement for those thoughts to be shared in the first place.