Why Listen to Opinions

Opinions are like human ears.  Just about everybody has them, and yours are most important to you.

I know of leaders who believe the best policy is to not pay attention to their critics, however I suggest within reason considering different opinions is a strategic asset for any leader. 

I have gotten some of my best ideas from the comments of others that have led me to think of something different, not specifically their suggestion or critical comment.

Listening is so important for leaders.  We underestimate the power of our ears, which are organs in our body, not just things sticking out the side of our head.  Did you know this about ears?

1. Outer Ear:  Human beings actually localize sound within our central nervous system by comparing the arrival time differences and loudness from each ear, in the brain circuits that connect our ears.  This process is referred to as EPS, or Echo Positioning System.  Some animals can point their ears to better receive sound.

   LEADERS:  Are you listening to people who disagree with you, express concerns, or make requests?  If so, you are gaining new opportunities for growth and avoiding problems.  Good job!

2. Middle Ear:  Sound is transmitted from the tympanic membrane through three bones (ossicles) to the ventricles of the ear.  The ossicles help in the amplification of sound waves by nearly 30 times.  I could go on, the complexity is fascinating...

   LEADERS:  Are you too quick to blow off employee comments?  Rather than dismiss them, there is strategic value in fully considering them - magnifying their ideas and considering alternatives.  You cannot fully engage employees or best serve clients without great listening skills.

3. Inner Ear:  Your inner ear contains sensory organs for balance, motion, and of course, hearing.

   LEADERS:  Employee and client opinions affect the balance and growth of your organization, but you have to be willing to hear them.  How well are you doing significantly affects your bottom line.

I suggest your willingness to listen and process both encouraging and negative information is done with a balance of truth and grace. 

Truth by listening and fully considering what others have to say without allowing negative people rip you apart.  Grace by being humble enough to consider their opinions and realize that some of those who communicate poorly have other issues affecting their lives so do not let their negativity bring you down.

Meeting Ideas

Have a meeting with your leadership team, or you can do this alone as part of your weekly Sanctuary time, to consider where you have traveled and what destination you truly want to reach.

This can be a long exercise or a relatively short one.

1. List the ideas, complaints, encouragement, and other comments you have heard during the past day.  
2. Start with three of them.  Carefully consider each one.
3. Is the comment a symptom, or a disease.  If a symptom than consider the root cause of the problem or the core of the opportunity.
4. Think about it.  Pray about it.  Ask people for their opinion.
5. Pilot ideas.

Let me know if you need help.