Listening

Why is listening so hard? Most people just want to be heard but not engage in listening first. Listening well is a skill, almost a lost skill, that is critical for building positive relationships and communicating effectively. Today, people focus on what they have to say, or better yet post on social media, and are more eager to prove a point or sway others to agree with them. But in contrast, people who listen well seek to understand and then respond.

What is the importance of listening well?  Let’s look at 5 reasons:

1.    Listening Well Makes Others Feel Valued.  When people feel heard, they feel appreciated and cared for. 

2.    Listening Well Brings out the Best in Others.  Listening promotes creativity, insight, and participation among people.

3.    Listening Well Resolves Conflicts.  Listening focuses on the goal of understanding, rather than being understood.

4.    Listening Well Builds Your Credibility.  Proverbs 14:8. Fools deceive themselves. Proverbs 1:5. Wise leaders listen to gain understanding.

5.    Listening Well Makes You More Like Jesus.  Even when surrounded by crowds with pressing needs, Jesus took time to be fully present. He asked great questions and made people feel valued. As the ultimate servant-leader, Jesus modeled exceptional listening skills. 

Let this be our goal: Seek to understand others rather than seeking to be understood. Be a good listener. James 1:19 provides great instruction on how to meet this goal:

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. James 1:19 

Credit:

https://www.crosswalk.com/church/pastors-or-leadership/why-listening-is-the-most-critical-leadership-skill.html