Leaders Are All Ears

Proverbs 18:15 (AMP) The mind of the prudent is ever getting knowledge, and the ear of the wise is ever seeking (inquiring for and craving) knowledge.


Proverbs 18:2 (AMP) A [self-confident] fool has no delight in understanding but only in revealing his personal opinions and himself.


LEADERSHIP Series: Listening Critical to Effective Leadership

Leadership literature lights up when combining listening with leadership. “Google” the subject and within seconds will find about 1 - 10 pages of about 12,700,000 results for leadership & listening (0.21 seconds). One very interesting link was to a research study submitted to the National Fire Academy as part of the Executive Fire Officer Program by a Battalion Chief from Sandy, Utah.

Leaders not only read and learn about listening, Believing leaders often pray for wisdom. And we are probably wise when doing so. When we venture out on our own, without craving God's knowledge, it is because we are so very often foolish. It is the “fool” who marginalizes God – listens to his own instincts; leads by his own understanding. When we do this, we are living as practical atheists – God is not made relevant to our knowledge acquisition.

All our learning – our understanding and true knowledge, must be filtered through in integrated Christian worldview, or we will give the Evil One a foothold to raise doubt about God’s revelation to us humans. God has a right to speak into our work, our play our home and our life. He is not just a Sunday God. He is a Monday through Saturday one also.

Do you take the time needed to listen? It’s hard work, but leaders do it. Here are five listening tips:

• Pay close attention to the speaker. This does not mean to stare intently into their eyes as they speak. Mirror and match how they use their eyes: some glance about as they speak; others stare. People like people who are just like them. Match, but fix your attention upon them.
• If they ask you a question, give a direct, but quick answer and ask a question in response. This shows that you care about their opinion and people often ask questions of us because they have something to tell us about the subject.
• Be collaborative – seek their feedback, and follow up their feed back with action (send email, a Tweet) that demonstrates that you have thoughtfully considered their input.
• If a bad news “message” is being sent, listen to message – don’t think about the messenger. Leaders need to practice the body language that is open to critique, contrary opinion, or bad news. Listen and learn and seek the kernel of truth that may exist in every negative critique.

Discussion Guide

How do Matt 13:9, Mark 4:9, and Luke 8:8 shape your thinking about the subject of listening?

Discuss the Four Tips – Do you agree or disagree (why or why not)? Which one is the hardest for you to practice?

Share when you have acted the fool instead of the Wise by being driven by your own thinking instead of seeking God’s input and the input of other Believers. What did you learn in that experience?


Copyright ©20009 by P. Griffith Lindell