Do you actively listen to your team? (111-2)

Woodrow Wilson said, “The ear of the leader must ring with the voices of the people.” In fact an effective leader encourages their team to tell them what they need to know, not what they want to hear. Read 2 Chronicles 10:1-15.

After Solomon’s death, his son Rehoboam was the logical choice to become the next king. The people came together from all 12 tribes and were prepared to crown him king and pledge their loyalty but they had a complaint. The taxes were too high and they needed relief. Rehobaom heard what the people said but he did not actually listen to their complaint. His lack of compassion for the people’s situation, his narrow vision, his self-centered focus and his demanding and impatient style told the people that Rehoboam didn’t really listen or understand but only used the information to fortify his pre-determined position.

Some leadership gurus believe that up to 50 percent of effective leadership involves simple listening. It is a simple truth that hearing is a function of the ears but listening is a function of the will. Effective leaders listen to connect with their team and to learn. We all know we can’t listen to everyone so to whom should a leader listen intently? The short list is:

• Your team – the people closest to you who have earned your trust and share your vision. These are people that can give targeted advice and these are people who have their finger on the pulse of the extended team.
• Your customers – maybe better stated “those you serve,” have critical information.
• Your opposition – these may be competitors or people with a totally different point of view. You do not have to join them but every effective leader should know what is going on with those who oppose them.
• Your mentors – people you have chosen to trust because of their wisdom.

Do you listen to your team or simply hear what they have to say? Is your will involved as you listen to your team? Is there a desire to take action on what is heard? Effective leaders listen to connect with others and to learn from others. Wise leaders choose carefully who they will listen to and then work hard at actively listening to learn.

Every leader should learn from Jesus’ actions in Luke 2:46, “After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.”