Why Don’t Leaders Listen?
Hey Friends,
Why don’t leaders listen? Let’s start with another question: do you think leaders listen well? I know for me, the longer I lead the less I listen. This is a huge hole for leaders because listening makes our jobs much easier. The longer you lead, and the more responsibility you have, and the more people that follow you, the easier it is to stop listening and just delegate and give orders.
The problem is, others love the church or organization just as much as I do and have great ideas for it. The organization you lead will be better off if you listen to those around you. If you have all the ideas, the organization will reflect your weaknesses and blind spots.
If you listen to those around you it will create trust in the followers. People want to be heard. You don’t have to always use their ideas but you validate them by listening. This is huge and is a must for a healthy organization.
When I listen to those around me it can stop problems in their tracks. If you have developed a good team then they will see the problems you miss. Listening to them can save you time, money and headaches.
I say I love to learn and listening is one of the best ways to learn. Everyone knows something I don’t, therefore everyone can be my teacher. Listening will help us become the best possible leaders we can grow to be.
Listening helps to create community! If you really want to enjoy the team you are working with, then listen to each other. The others will feel valued and give their best and you will become more than just a team. You will become friends making a difference in the world.
Just a thought – maybe I’m the only one who needs this post!
Love,
Pastor Chris
4 Comments
You are correct. People need to be validated by listening to them. It would be impossible for you personally to talk to each of us. Most of realize that. I have taken ideas to the appropriate pastor for guidance oh how to properly present things and get there where they need to go. Be a goo listener but the talkers need to understand that their idea is not the only one out there nor is your appointment book big enough to see everyone.
I think its especially hard to listen when you’re the pastor of a large church. At FPC, you have 3,500 people to listen to, each with an opinion or suggestion for improvement for every imaginable element of church. It can be very difficult to distinguish between those whom complain simply to complain (or out of selfish motives) and those whom have genuine, thoughtful suggestions for improvement.
Great post. And great point, Andy, about everyone having opinions and suggestions — and trying to distinguish the suggestions from complaints.
thanks gang, your comments sure help. hope the posts add value. let me know how to better them or what you would like to hear about.
PC