I used to think that leaders were the ones with all the answers—the smartest ones in the room. While it takes intelligence to lead a team, I’m learning that great leaders do something you might not expect, and they do it exceptionally well.
You may think that you’re the smartest person in the room—and you might even be right. But if you’re unwilling to listen to the people around you, you will dramatically hamper your effectiveness as a leader. Leaders listen, both for ideas and in order to influence those they lead.
Listen for Ideas
Even if you are a genius, you don’t have a monopoly on good ideas. The beauty of this world God made is that things work best when people work together. Jesus used the example of the body to describe His bride, the church. An eye has a different function and role than an ear, just as a foot can be used more effectively accomplish some things than can an eyelash. Here’s the takeaway—you may be an excellent hand, but no matter how great a hand you are, there’s no way you can hear a noise—only ears can do that. Recognize your strengths but be willing to seek feedback and ideas from the people around you.
Listen for Influence
Do you look others in the eyes when they speak? Do you really listen to what they’re saying? If you do these things, you’ve certainly noticed how few other people do this. When you do little things like make eye contact, adopt a welcoming posture (no arms crossed, no hands in pockets), ask questions, and use the name of the person you’re talking to often, you will be amazed how people will open up to you. In doing this, they demonstrate their trust in you. And to be trusted means to have influence. Make the effort to truly listen and care about the person you’re talking to, and you’ll be amazed how they will want to hear from you. Humility, respect, and trustworthiness—things that we know belong to good leaders, but the question is, will you exemplify them today?