The Power of Listening

Great leaders listen. It’s not flashy, it’s not loud, and it’s definitely not about having all the answers—but it’s essential. Proverbs 18:13 reminds us, “He who answers before listening—that is his folly and his shame.” When we slow down and truly hear what others are saying, we build trust, encourage growth, and often gain a new perspective ourselves.

Listening Builds Trust
Listening communicates value. When we give someone our full attention, it tells them that their voice matters. In a leadership role, that’s powerful. People don’t just want to be led—they want to be heard. When your team knows you’re not just waiting for your turn to talk, but truly considering their input, trust grows.

Jesus modeled this. He was surrounded by crowds, yet He took the time to hear the cries of individuals—the blind man, the bleeding woman, the children others tried to shoo away. His listening wasn’t passive—it was active, intentional, and full of compassion.

Listening Leads to Better Decisions
Too many leaders rush to respond without fully understanding the issue. Active listening helps you make better, wiser decisions because you're working with complete information—not assumptions. James 1:19 tells us, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” It’s amazing what clarity can come when we prioritize hearing first.

Listening Models Humility
Leaders who listen show they don’t believe they have it all figured out. It takes humility to pause and learn from others, especially those you lead. That humility is contagious—it sets the tone for a culture where feedback is welcomed, ideas are shared, and people feel safe to speak up.

Ask Yourself:

• When was the last time I listened without preparing my response?
• Do people feel heard after speaking with me?
• How can I create more space for voices that often go unheard?

Leadership isn’t just about making noise—it’s about creating space for others to speak into what God is doing.