We all can understand that leaders must be good communicators. Speaking and writing well are essential tools of the trade. But how well do we listen?
In the book of Proverbs, the writer repeatedly instructs students to “hear” their words. The Hebrew verb, shama, indicates a deliberate process of paying attention to what is being said with the intent to obey or take action.
Listening to someone is about paying careful attention to them. These days, it can be hard to hear others — for reasons that range from the practical to the political. Face masks make it difficult to understand what someone is saying. Multitasking is an impediment to sustained focus. Political views that are extremely different from ours make us not want to hear the people who hold them.
To listen well, we must minimize distractions. Review the last 30 days on your calendar. How much time did you set aside to listen to others, to yourself and to God?
The consequences of leading without listening well are familiar — and potentially catastrophic. We cast a vision. We make plans. But when it’s time to take action, the commitment from the group falls far short of our expectations. When this happens, it’s tempting to lay the blame for this disappointing dilemma at the feet of unwilling or unavailable volunteers. But let’s ask ourselves a crucial question: How well did we listen?
When we listen well, we might be surprised to hear something we did not anticipate. For instance, the headlines and the national surveys tell one story about young adults and their faith, but when we have lunch with a young Christian (or non-Christian) and listen to what they have to say in their own words, we might learn more than we expected. What other surprises might be in store when we listen well?
