Huh? What?

Husbands are often accused of “selective hearing,” grasping only what we want to hear and ignoring the rest. There is probably some truth in that, but not just for husbands. All of us have selective hearing. Want an example? There are probably some noises going on around you right now that you ignore. Traffic on the street. The sound of an air conditioner or fan. Crickets. We just tune these out.

In our role as leaders, we need to be sure we are listening to those we serve…really listening. Mentor and executive coach Fred Smith loved communication and had some thoughts on listening.

Every leader spends a good part of the day communicating with others. A lot of books have been written on techniques of good communication, but the real problem is the spirit, not the method. Attitude is often the barrier. Almost any two people who want to can talk together. The emphasis on open lines of communication hides a deeper problem. Often people who are unable to communicate find that they are hindered by their desire to impress, not express.

Fred Smith added…

Most leaders are adequate talkers, but inadequate listeners. The ability to listen creatively and positively depends on the leader’s ability to listen on four levels:

1. the meaning of the words

2. the choice of words

3. the sounds of the words

4. the sight of the words.

Most people listen negatively, which is simply keeping silent or reloading while the other is shooting. Positive listening guides the talker both in the giving of facts and a display of emotion that permit the listener to evaluate on more than a surface level.

There are some great insights here. Two things stand out

from Fred Smith’s comments.

Almost any two people who want to can talk together.
Often people who are unable to communicate find that they are hindered by their desire to impress, not express.

Jesus often spoke in parables, and then would tell those around him, “Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand!” (Matthew 11:15 NLT)

Listening…really listening…takes effort and is active. And leaders who listen…really listen…strengthen their organizations and the relationships among the staff. And, by the way, it works in the home, too.