Moving from I to We part 2 A GOOD LISTENER

Now that I have introduced this new model of being a leader who is a steward of his/her own gifts and also a steward of those gifts already in the body, we need to describe how this model is practically lived out.

Dr. Ford points out that the first step is for the Steward leader to be a "good listener".  This means the leader needs to listen for the passion and vision of those under his leadership.  It means asking a lot more questions, being an excellent observer, and then discerning where their gifts may lie.

A Harvard University professor has said, "Most leaders die with their mouths open".  Leaders are often valued more for what they say and thus fall into the trap of not being a good listener.

A leader who is good at listening communicates a teachability and sensitivity to the people in the church or on the team.  When this happens, people feel validated and the freedom to express their passions and giftedness.

Once a leader understands where people's passion lay, the next step is to equip them for tasks they are passionate about.  I will touch on this aspect in the next blog.

The question I want to leave you is this:  Are you a good listener?  Have you created an environment of understanding and discernment as the leader?  Have you created a self serving agenda of leadership or a body building agenda of leadership?