Jesus said, ‘Hear Me, everyone, and understand.’ He spoke life-changing words, but He understood that preoccupied minds don’t always listen too well. Are you a good listener? 1) If you’re a leader in some way, do you listen to your followers? The kind of leaders people want to follow do more than just deal with the task at hand when they interact with you; they take the time to get a feel for who you are as a person. Philip Stanhope, the Earl of Chesterfield, believed, ‘Many a man would rather you heard his story than granted his request.’ If you’re used to listening only to the facts and not the person who expresses them, change your focus, and really listen. 2) If you’re providing something, do you listen to the people you’re supposed to be serving? A Cherokee saying states, ‘Listen to the whispers and you won’t have to hear the screams.’ Never get so caught up in your own ideas or products that you don’t hear concerns, complaints, and suggestions about them. In his book, Business @ the Speed of Thought, former Microsoft CEO Bill Gates said, ‘Unhappy customers are always a concern. They’re also your greatest opportunity.’ That’s why you should make it a priority to keep in contact with the people you’re serving. 3) If you’re committed to growth, are you listening to your mentors? You’ll never become so advanced or experienced that you can afford to be without mentors. If you don’t have some, go out and find them. If you can’t get some, begin by reading appropriate books, starting with your Bible. If you’re not following in the footsteps of someone wiser, there’s a good chance you’re not on the right path.
