SCRIPTURE: “Set forth your case, says the LORD; bring your proofs, says the King of Jacob.” (Isa. 41:21 ESV)
QUOTE: “Of all the skills of leadership, listening is the most valuable — and one of the least understood. Most captains of industry listen only sometimes, and they remain ordinary leaders. But a few, the great ones, never stop listening. That’s how they get word before anyone else of unseen problems and opportunities.” — Peter Nulty, Fortune Magazine.
NOTE:
Arguably the most important part of teamwork is communication. It is important to listen to what others have to say and to make sure that each member of the team feels heard. Honesty and transparency are key. If a member of the group feels like their ideas are not being taken seriously, it is important for that person to have the space, to be honest about it. Without that level of honesty and open communication, that person may build up a layer of resentment or feelings of exclusion, leading to a disjointed effort to the team’s overall goal.
Another important aspect of communication is our ability to listen. We are used to doing things our way, and when we need to work together as a team, our strength lies in our ability to listen to others’ points of view and introduce those perspectives into our group communication. It can be hard to take a step back from being the decision-maker, but each member brings a different strength to the overall group, and the importance of leaning into those strengths is what makes a successful team. Those members who are not as quick to speak but have good ideas depend on strong listeners to feel supported enough to speak their ideas. Sometimes these contributions are the most important to the group, and it is crucial to let them know that they are being listened to.
ILLUSTRATION:
Active listening was first used in counseling and conflict resolution. These days, business professionals around the world employ the technique. It makes sense: When it’s done right, active listening — fully listening to the speaker and providing verbal and non-verbal feedback — can help you to draw people out, avoid misunderstandings, foster, settle disagreements and gain people’s trust. Most of the best leaders have strong listening skills.
REFLECTION:
How patient are you in listening to others till they are done?
TWO YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1Chr 22:2 – 19, Psalm 47