James 1:19 “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger.”   The words, “Leaders Listen,” actually form a sentence with both a subject (Leader) and a verb (Listen).  You are the subject and listen is a verb of action.  Our Scripture is all inclusive with the word, everyone, and the action should be quick to listen.  James understood the communication process and the importance of listening before speaking and becoming angry.  As a Christian man, we should follow this advice and counsel.  There is a truth here in our personal relationships and communications with people.  Listening trumps all other communication skills such as speaking, writing, body language and tone of voice.  It can resolve most interpersonal relationships and send a message in leadership of care, compassion, interest, concern and humility.  There is a time to speak out and even a time to get angry, but that time is subsequent to listening. 

This Scriptural principle applies to every walk of our lives and leadership.  I personally had to learn this trait and responsibility in my home, career, church and all relationships.  It is essential for a successful marriage and parenting.  Every man I know will tell you that his wife has told him on more than one occasion these words, “Listen to me" or "you don’t listen to me.”  If you don’t agree, you will not be truthful about other things either.  It starts in your mind and obedience to our Scripture this week.  “Listening, like reading, is primarily an activity of the mind, not of the ears.  When the mind is not actively involved in the process, it should be called HEARING, not listening.” (Mortimer Alder)  I have found that the best way to hear is to stop, turn toward the person, be quiet, give eye contact and let your auditory nerve connect your ears to your brain (mind).  So, leader are you listening?