Issue #127, April 16, 2014
My tongue has gotten me in plenty of trouble, but my ears? Never! If only I would learn to follow James’ counsel, Lead with your ears, follow up with your tongue, and let anger straggle along in the rear (James 1:19, The Message). Not surprisingly, the first recorded action of Jesus involved leading with His ears, “After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions” (Luke 2:46). Servant leaders learn from Jesus and recognize the significant benefits of leading with their ears.
Listening builds relationships.
Good listening always strengthens relationships. Think of someone you love to be around. My guess is that this person is a good listener; that’s why you enjoy being with them! We all love to be heard and understood and feel close to anyone who will listen. Leaders often seek to “fix” issues and solve problems before really listening. Often, what people want is not a solution but a listening ear. Servant leaders recognize this and actively seek to listen which builds strong relationships. They recognize that when people do not feel that their leader is listening, they look for another leader. King Rehoboam refused to listen to his people and the results are clear. “When all Israel saw that the king refused to listen to them, they answered the king: ‘What share do we have in David, what part in Jesse's son? To your tents, O Israel! Look after your own house, O David!’ So the Israelites went home” (1Ki 12:16). The entire kingdom was divided simply because a leader failed to listen. How many times have people walked away from your leadership “kingdom” because you weren’t listening?
Listening brings wisdom.
One of the best ways to learn is to ask questions and to listen. Jesus demonstrated this in the Temple as a young child. He recognized the truth of Prov. 23:19, “Listen, my son and be wise…” Listening to others is an education in itself. Servant leaders learn to be good listeners, recognizing that they can learn from little children as well as seasoned leaders. Their ears are open, intently seeking to grow in wisdom and understanding. They seek to understand where their followers are at and actively listen to people at the grassroots level of their organizations. Servant leaders have the humility to acknowledge that there are still things they don’t know and they are willing to listen and learn. They listen to criticism and where there is truth they respond appropriately. They grow in wisdom as they listen.
Listening builds respect.
Listening intently to someone shows that you value and respect that person. Moses is a great example of a leader who listened well to his father in law Jethro. “Moses listened to his father-in-law and did everything he said” (Ex 18:24). What father-in-law would not love that kind of a man? Biblically speaking, listening implies obedience. Of course, servant leaders don’t always need to do everything they hear, but this kind of active listening builds mutual respect in a relationship. Servant leaders recognize that they cannot lead without respect. Active listening is one of the many ways that servant leaders gain the respect of followers.
Do you want to have strong relationships, be wise and be respected? Learn to lead with your ears! Take five minutes today to just listen; it may revolutionize your leadership!
For further reflection and discussion:
- What is a difficult relationship in your life right now? Reflect on how well you have sought to listen to this person and what God might be calling you to do in response.
- Are there times recently when you have tried to ‘fix’ a problem rather than listening? How is God calling you to change?
- Have you actively sought to grow in wisdom by listening to others around you? Take a moment to reflect on those whom God has placed around you that you could listen to and learn from. Take a step today to listen to them.
- In what ways do you actively seek to listen to people who follow you? If the group you lead is very large, have you developed ways to hear from the grassroots level?
- How is your listening at home, with your spouse, children, parents?