Inquiring leadership – The listening leader

“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 Holy Bible NIV

Definition: Listen: to pay attention to, to hear something with thoughtful attention: give consideration, to be alert to catch an expected sound  (Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary. Merriam-Webster, Inc., Springfield, MA, 2009)


Signs you aren’t listening well:

When speaking with colleagues, I finish his/her sentence

• I tend to interrupt others when they are speaking.
• In conversation, my attention often turns to my own thoughts
• I make quick judgments while listening.
• Let your Listening Speak that you value the other person and care what they have to say
• Let your listening teach you about others and help you understand them.

“Instead of listening to what is being said many managers are already listening to what they are about to say.” Anonymous

Listening SPEAKS 
does not say “I agree” -  Listening speaks I accept and respect your point of view

Levels of listening

• Level 1: The “me” level – how I relate to what is being said – “Oh me too I have done that too” – it’s natural – it’s where relationship begins – it’s where you find common ground to connect
• Level 2: Focused listening - curiosity – trying to understand the other person giving – full attention to the other person – out of yourself
• Level 3: Beyond the Content – “I can’t ever find anything to wear” – is there a bigger issue –
• Level 2 and Level 3 – where trust begins and depth resides in the relationship

Jesus and other wise men taught in Parables because it required you to listen beyond the content.