Effective Communication (Day 1)

Hi CKP's ~ We are barreling down the last stretch of ELI Vision & Voice for the year and we have only two more EQ skills to examine in our study of the pillars of leadership.  Our next EQ Skill is "Communication" (no small topic, eh?) 

For the next couple of weeks, I am going to send out a daily reflection on communication from a Biblical perspective to see what we can glean from the Scriptures.  Feel free to respond to any of these posts that particularly catch your interest.

(Day 1) Proverbs 18:13 "To answer before listening - that is folly and shame." NIV
http://biblehub.com/proverbs/18-13.htm (for those of you who would like to read the other translations)

'In his famous prayer, St. Francis of Assisi asked God to help him to "Seek first to understand, then to be understood." This principle is the key to effective interpersonal communication.

Actually, the book of Proverbs offered identical advice ages before St. Francis penned this prayer.  In Proverbs 19:13 we read that it is foolish to answer before listening.  Early in this same chapter, Solomon offers a pointed evaluation of those who would rather talk than listen, stating that a fool finds no pleasure in understanding, but delights in letting everyone know his opinion (Prov. 18:2).

No leader who cannot communicate can lead well and long.  Most leaders spend vast amounts of time and energy developing other skills, such as long-term planning, time management and public speaking.  But what about taking time to develop the skill of listening?  Those who wish to be good leaders will develop this skill.  They'll practice such techniques as maintaining eye contact and rephrasing what they hear to be certain that they have understood correctly.

Closely tied in with the skill of listening is the ability to express oneself in a nonabrasive and affirming manner, because reckless words are hurtful, but words of wisdom bring healing (Prov. 12:18).  Wise leaders think before they speak; in so doing, they select words that nurture rather than destroy.  When faced with hostility, they speak gently in order to subdue anger rather than stoke it (Prov. 15:1).

Your ability to communicate (and the degree) will either evoke trust or distrust in those you lead.  It will instill either confidence or fear.  It will determine to a large extent how eagerly your followers will follow you.  How would those you lead evaluate your listening skills?' What one thing could you do to strengthen your ability to really hear others?

Boa, Bizzell & Perkins (2007). Handbook to Leadership. Atlanta, GA: Trinity House Publishers