Being a Good Listener is One of the Most Important Qualities
of a Leader of People

(19) “So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to
hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath;

(20) for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of
God.”

James 1 : 19-20 NKJV

All of the really good leaders of people motivate others by their listening skills. A good leader of other men and women:

1. avoids prejudicial first impressions;
2. is an active listener;
3. becomes less self-centered;
4. withholds initial criticism;
5. stays calm;
6. listens with empathy;
7. clarifies what he hears;…and…
8. fully recognizes the healing power of good listening.

Once he or she has employed these listening skills and has understood what he or she has heard, then,…he or she is to act on what they have heard. Good listeners are to be quick to hear and slow to speak. That simply cannot happen if the designated listener is doing all of the talking.

The great author, businessman, and teacher, Mr Dale Carnegie,…The one who wrote the book, “How To Win Friends and Influence People,” was and continues to be considered to be one of the greatest “friend winners” of the last two centuries. Mr. Carnegie taught thousands of people the simple truth that “You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you.”

Now it is of critical importance that a person must keep in mind that the human brain is incapable of doing two separate and distinct things simultaneously. A person cannot listen and speak at the same time. He can only do one thing at a time.

To illustrate this all important subject that Mr. Carnegie was teaching his students,…about being interested in other people and their efforts and interests,…he would tell the story about how “man’s best friend,”…dogs in general,…have learned the fine art of making friends much better than most people. Carnegie explained that whenever you get within ten feet of a friendly dog,…he will begin to eagerly wag his tail, a visible sign that he welcomes and enjoys your presence. In such circumstances, if you take the time and effort to pet the dog, he will become excited, he will lick you, and jump all over you to show just how much he really appreciates you. You see, friends, the dog became man’s best friend by being genuinely interested in people!

One of the foremost ways, of course, in which we show our true interest in others is to honestly and intently listen to them…to ask questions of them and then to carefully listen to their individual responses,…and then to ask additional questions of them based upon what they have said in response to your initial queries.

A person who truly feels he has been listened to,…has been truly “heard” is most likely to seek out his friendly listener again and again,…and to count that person as a great friend.

Do you feel all alone? Do you feel like no one cares about what is happening to you? Do you just need a friend?…one who will hear you out?

Then start listening intently to other people with all your heart!…and with both of your ears.

Leaders Gotta Lead………………..