“The first service one owes to others in the community involves listening to them. Just as our love for God begins with listening to God’s Word, the beginning of love for other Christians is learning to listen to them. God’s love for us is shown by the fact that God not only gives us God’s Word but also lends us God’s ear.”
(Dietrich Bonhoeffer as quoted in Listen Well, Lead Better, page 18)
If we are going to be people who lead well and have influence with those around us, we are going to need to become better listeners.
In their book, Listen Well Lead Better, Steve and Becky Harling share ten practices which will help develop our listening skills.
The book is written with this husband and wife interchangeably sharing their experiences and insights. They transparently tell of their shortcomings in each of their careers and the way they had to change in order to better manage people and teams.
Each chapter gives questions one can ask of their team, so as to better understand how others perceive one’s leadership. There are also questions for self-leadership to better help one become aware of their own strengths and weaknesses. Both sets of questions are designed to bring growth and trust between leaders and teams.
While the book is written for leaders in churches, non-profits, and businesses, the information shared is practical and applicable in every area of life. The authors bring a biblical and faith-based approach to gaining better leadership and listening skills.
“Learning to listen really is the key to greater influence!”
(from page 173)
As we learn to listen first to God, and then to others, we come to know ourselves and those around us better. Listening well enables others to know they are deeply valued, grows trust, and leads to everyone thriving.
May we listen with our ears,
so we can lead with His heart.
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Today I am joining … Heart Encouragement and Let’s Have Coffee and Booknificent Thursday .
If a husband and wife can co-write a book on listening, they must know what they’re talking about. ha. Thanks for sharing about this resource, Joanne. I’ve heard of it in general, but not from anyone who has read it. Listening is an important skill for all of us.
Lisa, you made me laugh when I read about marital co-authoring 🙂 The book was a good reminder of how we all can make improvements on our listening skills.
Hi, Joanne. I haven’t heard of this book, but it sounds interesting. I’d be interested in reading it from a relational perspective. Thanks for the recommendation.
Blessings,
Tammy
Tammy, I hadn’t thought of it from that perspective. Thank you!
This sounds like a helpful book. ⤠I’ve just come back from a meeting with my husband and another couple to plan a marriage retreat, and I’m realizing I could have contributed more effectively through better listening. 🙂
Betsy, a planning meeting will surely test the listening skills of any of us! We can get so excited and want to share ideas. May this marriage retreat bless many!