Leaders are Listeners

Most of the time when you think of a leader, you probably think of a great speaker. And while this may be the case, I would be willing to bet that those same leaders, if they are truly leaders at all, spend more time listening than they do speaking. Those who excel in the area of leadership did not get there by chance. They showed a unique skill set that thrust them into the leadership limelight. Those who fail usually do so because they have a superiority complex, that is to say that they think they are better or smarter than those they are over. Any leader who is worth his or her salt will tell you that the greatest skill they have is listening. How will you ever be able to lead people or know how to lead people if you don't listen to the people you are trying to lead. That is not to say that you have to do everything they say, but you might get some great ideas by listening to those you are leading. It is important to define what listening really is. Most of us are good hearers but horrible listeners. You hear noise, you listen to people. Listening is active. You must engage your mind and process what is being said or communicated. Listening is more than just gathering information. When we listen we are able to discern information and emotion or passion. If a group of people are passionate about something that will lead to the greater good, it would behoove the leader to listen to those he is leading and capitalize on that passion. As leaders, we must see that the greatest asset we have is people. When we combine a listening ear with a passionate people we have a recipe for success regardless of the context.

Master Leaders

I just finished reading George Barna's new book Master Leaders. In my opinion this is the best and most comprehensive book on leadership I have ever read. I am not a critic, nor am I on Barna's payroll. I have a desire to become a better leader and found this book earlier in the week. What I soon discovered is that Barna hit on every major area for leadership development. The best thing about this book is that it is not your "typical" leadership book. You don't get 25 chapters on how to be a better leader or 55 things that you need to do to be a better leader. Very simply, this is a "behind the scenes" conversation with some of the greatest leaders of our time. If you are a leader, administrator, pastor, teacher, coach or some one who has influence over people, this book is a must read for you.

Reading and Leadership

I've always heard it said that "Leaders are readers." I have found this to be very true. Some would say that "Readers are leaders." I have not always found this to be the case. Just because someone reads does not mean that they are designed for leadership. I am reading George Barna's Master Leaders. It is a great read and I recommend it to those in leadership or those who aspiring to be leaders. When I talk about leadership in this context, I am speaking of those who lead groups, organizations or movements. I make the assertion that everyone is a leader. At the very heart a leader is someone who has someone following them. We are all leading someone somewhere, whether it is consciously or not. For those leading groups, organizations and movements, it is vital that you read continuously. There is a wealth of resources out there to help you become a better leader (and honestly we can all become better in the area of leadership). It takes sacrifice to invest in yourself to become a better leader, but remember that as you invest in yourself, you are also investing in others. What you pour into yourself will ultimately be poured into those that you lead. We always for our team to put forth their very best, but is our team getting the very best out of us? Are we giving our very best? Are we the best that we can be? Regardless of the area in which you serve and lead, you must always be willing to shape your craft. You must constantly be learning. Learning is the movement that takes you to where you want to be. Learning is the river that we raft to reach the destination we desire to achieve. Learn. Read. Succeed. Lead.