LEADERSHIP Series: Leaders are Open-minded

Leaders listen. Well, authentic leaders listen.

Effective leaders have learned that art. In a January 2001 article in Harvard Business Review, Jim Collins introduced the world to the “Level 5 Leadership” wherein HBR observed that is was “The Triumph of Humility and Fierce Resolve.”

Those who practice humility listen actively. And active listening is a skill that is not easily developed. The goal must always be mutual understanding. The key to effective listening comes alive in the verse below: this listening gives birth to asking good questions.

Proverbs 18:17 (NASB) The first to plead his case seems right, until another comes and examines him.

Effective, probing questions are not simply a matter of casual asking of top-of-mind questions. These questions take forethought. It takes skill to develop a conversation that achieves an understanding of many facets of any issues involved in a dispute. It takes discipline to not jump to conclusions.

Are you disciplined to listen first and then ask good questions?

Copyright (c)2009 by P. Griffith Lindell