360 Degree Listening

Leadership is difficult.

Listening is your ally. But who do you listen to?

I have a suggestion -  Listen in 360 degrees:

Listen to those ahead of you. They have lived longer than you have. Listen long enough and you'll get some great pearls of wisdom. They've already invented a lot of wheels for you.

Listen to those behind you. The younger generation knows a lot these days. Not only can they program your phone with mind-blowing speed, they have keen insight into what their generation thinks and feels.

Listen to those beside you (your good side). Your colleagues know you better than you'll probably care to admit. They see you every day. They know your faults and your failures. Listening to them keeps the emperor clothed.

Listen to those beside you (your bad side). It's also good to hear from those who disagree with you. In most disagreements, there is usually a grain of truth for the leader who listens. Most times, the opposition can be the key to a well-rounded perspective.

Listen to the One above you and in you. Jesus Christ didn't descend to earth just to be the best selling story in history. He came to show you the way. And He is alive and well. Seek His guidance for every opportunity; every decision; every expenditure; every sermon topic; every counseling session; every... (you get the picture).

THAT is what I call 360 Degree Listening.

RELATED POST: How To Listen

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Who do you listen to on a regular basis to keep your leadership strong and healthy?

Comments

[MichaelDPerkins]

Very good thoughts Scott. I think listening to those around you is key.

On a side note: enjoy your sabbatical.

[Ryan Tate]

I like the 360 degree concept. Very creative. Thanks. I try to listen in all those areas you mentioned. I also try to listen to my wife! She is ahead of me, behind me, beside me, above me, below me, and in me! She can be my wisest counsel, my biggest fan, and my most critical critic.

[ArtieDavis]

Great post Scott! I love all the directions like that, really challenging in a practical and applicable way.

[Scott Couchenour]

Michael - Thanks for the sabbatical note. It was awesome to be disconnected (no offense!). We all should unplug from time to time.

Ryan - Wives are the best people to listen to. I believe God implanted a special piece of Himself in wives. We label it "intuition" with our lame English. But it's much more than that. Thanks for the insight!

Artie - Thanks, man. Your encouragement means a lot to me. I wish I could express how your posts speak into my life so often.

[Deborah Jackson]

Thanks for the post, Scott. On a day when I was searching around for answers to what was seemingly a very dark place, you have given Light. Keep up the good work you are doing.