Here's
a quick test of a leader's skill. Does the leader look into the eyes of the person
speaking to him or her? If so, that leader is likely to be attentive, interested,
and concerned about the needs of the team member. If not, the leader is probably
distracted, unconcerned, or — worse yet — egotistical. Good leaders
take people seriously. They pay attention to words, inflection, and emotion expressed
by others. Leaders
listen to the ideas of their associates. They may not act on every suggestion,
but they listen with an ear to hear fresh methodologies. Good leaders understand
that the concept that will propel them upward may very well come from someone
below them on the organizational chart. They welcome suggestions from teammates.
Leaders
also listen to complaints. Leaders understand that emotions left unvented can
be become stifling at best, explosive at worst. Unresolved problems might very
well suffocate the efforts of the team. Leaders value the feedback of both teammates
and critics. They understand the cries and concerns of others are cries for personal
attention. And they listen. Leaders
listen for what is unspoken. They realize that a problem may be present for some
time before a team member has the courage to voice it as a compliant. Leaders
look for body language, expression, and other nonverbal clues to meaning. Like
a well-trained mechanic evaluating the function of an engine, a leader hears the
sounds that others miss. Leaders
listen to the customer. Every organization has customers whether it is involved
in sales or not. Customers are those whom the organization serves, whether they
are called clients, parishioners, donors, or attendees. Good leaders listen to
their constituents to find out whether their needs are being met. They pay careful
attention to the feedback of those on the outside of the organization. Leaders
listen for the future. On a clear night, you can hear a train coming from a long
way away. The sound is faint at first, almost imperceptible. But a careful listener
can hear it. Leaders listen for the train that has not yet arrived. They look
for trends that are just over the horizon; their ears are tuned for changes in
the economy, the culture, and even in politics. Leaders hear change coming long
before it arrives. Learn
to listen, and you will learn to lead.
__________ Stan
Toler is a pastor, conference speaker, and television host. He is the author of
the Minute Motivators series, The Secret Blend and more than 50
other books. You can visit his website at: www.stantoler.com.
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