Okay friends, in one verse I am going solve about 70% of the problems in your life:

“Understand this: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.”
James 1:19

Can you see it? When everyone is talking, nothing is getting done. When everyone is angry and fighting with one another, nothing good is getting done. When no one is listening to those around them, genuine communication is lost. In a family of ten (and a dog) I understand this truth all too well!

Many of the problems in life come when we respond too quickly to a situation rather than choosing to stop, ask questions and truly listen to gain better insight and understanding.

A TRUTH I HAVE LEARNED THE HARD WAY

The problem in many of my relationships has been the result of being so busy talking or thinking about how I was going to respond that I was not listening to those around me. In the end this kept me from really hearing or understanding the hurts and needs of those in my life.

I think people of great influence understand the incredible value of becoming a good listener. When Lyndon B. Johnson was a junior senator from Texas, he kept a sign on his office wall that read,

“You ain’t learnin’ nothin’ when you’re doin’ all the talkin.”

In life and leadership I’ve learned that there are times to speak up and times to listen and observe. By God’s grace I am becoming better at defaulting to “stop and listen.”

THE PRINCIPLE OF STOP AND LISTEN AT WORK 

Truly great people know when to stop talking and listen to others around them. Being slow to react and quick to listen accomplishes several tasks:

• Shows others care and respect.
• Helps foster/strengthen relationships.
• Increases knowledge.
• Generates ideas.
• Builds trust and loyalty.

It was the thinker Diogenes who penned,

“We have two ears and one tongue so that we would listen more and talk less.”

WORKING ON IT 

So, the next time a situation comes up let’s take the advice of James 1:19 and be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to get angry. In becoming better listeners not only do we get a stronger understanding of the situation but often we gain deeper insight and perspective into the people around us.