James 1:19 “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires.”
Be a good listener at work. Ask questions. It will help you stay out of trouble from saying the wrong thing or getting angry.
Principle: Be a thoughtful and self-controlled listener.
Everyone these days is jabbering but few are listening. In our fast-paced world, we do not have time to hear the whole story. Mentally we say, “Get to the point.” The human mind processes 500 word a minute but most people speak at 120 to 150 words per minute. My wife used to give me a sharp elbow when I would finish other people’s sentences, which was one of my bad habits. No wonder James advised us to be quick to hear and slow to speak.
In face-to-face situations there are three things that hinder our ability to hear what others are saying: 1) Presumption – this is when we think we already know what the other person is going to say, 2) Impatience – this is when we interrupt and jump to conclusions, 3) Pride – this is when we become defensive and un-teachable.
Someone suggested three “hearing aids”:
1) Listen with your eyes. Research suggests that 80 percent of communication is non-verbal. Our facial expressions and body language tend to tell the real story.
2) Listen with your heart. Be sympathetic. Tune in to the emotions behind the words.
3) Make time to listen to people. You show employees or associates how much you value them when you take time to listen.
Your work relationships will be transformed if you make an effort to be “quick to listen.”
Generally, poor listening results in millions of time-wasting and annoying mistakes daily – a wrong bagel order, a wrong telephone number, a wrong appointment. Doctors and hospitals are paying massive liability awards because of poor listening practices by staff. Poor listening can have tragic consequences such as the 1977 runway collision at Tenerife airport in the Canary Islands when misunderstood instructions caused 583 deaths.
Archie Dunham, president of Conoco, frequently jots the letters at the top of a notepad, QTH STS STA, reminding him of James 1:19. His listening advice is to gather information from many sources. Do not react too quickly to what you hear and do not become angry. He says anger impairs the ability to make good decisions and contributes to a poor attitude that can keep you from enjoying the many opportunities life has to offer.
Discussion:
1. Who is the best listener you know and why?
2. What hinders your ability to be a good listener?
3. What step can you take today to improve your listening skills?
