I have always felt that one of the most important aspects of Christian character is being a good listener. Why? Because listening communicates great humility and humility is a centerpiece of the gospel. Listening says, "I will put my all-important words aside and consider what you have to say more important." Sounds a lot like Phil. 2:3-4 to me.
Listening is also extremely significant to good leadership in any capacity. Being able to listen without being defensive is one of the most important ways that you can communicate to those you lead that you love them. At the end of the day, if the people you lead know that you love them, they will usually respond well to your leadership.
With that said, Gavin Ortlund has a great post today called, "20 Qualities of Good Listeners" that I think it would do many of us a great deal of good to read and reflect upon. Check it out.
2 comments:
Thanks Zach! I was hoping to meet you during the Job class - my wife mentioned you were in there. Hopefully our paths will cross again sometime. I enjoy your blog.
GRO
My eyes were opened when I first read a passage from Josef Pieper. I don't have it with me, but the gist is that listening requires quieting oneself internally, and that idle talkativeness (talking for its own sake) is often an outgrowth of despair.
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