1 QUOTE

“Let every person be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger.”

- James 1:19

1 NOTE

You can read the introduction to the Sample Leadership series here.

When was the last time you were in a conversation and you couldn’t get a word in? Perhaps you were speaking and you could tell that the person you were talking to wasn’t really listening. They were just waiting politely (or not so politely) for you to answer so they could begin speaking. I was in a conversation like that recently. And our daughter Kara was there to observe…and gently correct me.

As we left the conversation she asked me, “Dad, did you noticed that you talked a lot? I think Uncle Joe had a lot more to say. Were you really listening when he spoke?” The conviction hit me hard. What grace from God to have Kara help me grow as an active listener. Steven Sample would be proud of Kara.

Sample asserts that good leaders know to listen first and speak last. When great leaders listen, they do so artfully. We should make listening an art form for at least three reasons. When we listen artfully we enhance, and do not detract from, our relationships. Everyone feels known and loved when listened to. Second, the artful listener is always gathering information and forming new ideas. Really listening to people gives us fresh perspective. Finally, leaders who finish well listen to their inner circle. Steven Sample notes that as President of USC every major decision was made by his lieutenants and wife. Sample followed Machiavelli’s advice and kept his inner-circle small. Sample’s commitment to artful listening helped him enjoy, and not be stressed out, by the biggest pick-a-path moments.

1 QUESTION

Do you have artful listeners in your life? Are you growing as an artful listener?

Until Next Tuesday,

John