What did you Say?

He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him. – Proverbs 18:13

Many people tell others what to do, but true leaders guide people to action. Decision making, intuition, and foresight are all parts of effective leadership. But sometimes eagerness to make quick decisions or bring resolution can cause us to act impulsively or get too bossy. We should try to balance decisiveness with insight to prevent becoming a bossy person. Who likes a bossy person anyway?
The key to listening is to be attentive in the conversation. We might be able to multitask, but we probably cannot multifocus. If we are truly listening, we must be focused on the conversation. Sometimes people listen in order to respond. However, we need to listen to understand. Then we can respond effectively. Listening to the matter at hand not only gives information we need, it also allows us to understand underlying issues that go beyond superficial facts.
We can prevent embarrassing moments for ourselves or others by listening to all the facts as well as feeling before responding. Then we can offer well-thought-out answers and effective decisions. We need to give God room to speak to us while we are listening. Thus, He will give us hidden insight that others cannot provide. If we react too quickly, we might not hear the treasure of God’s word speaking to us. With effective listening, the people around you will appreciate your attentiveness and wisdom while you gain understanding.

My challenge is for us all to listen when others take the time to talk to us about their problems. Remember if they didn’t think a lot of you they wouldn’t have come to you. Don’t disappoint them with a ho-hum attitude.