Active and Effective Listening

By: Len Stubbs

Active and Effective Listening
Len Stubbs
Certified Christian Co
Real Path Coaching

Since you have chosen to take the time to read this can we stipulate and agree that one of the keys to establishing long term, solid, and successful relationships is effective communication? Can we also agree that for effective communication to occur, there must be active listening?
Active listening requires the development of three personal qualities in the listener: Desire, commitment, and patience.

Here is what the Lord has to say about listening in His word.

(1) In the New Testament, the Lord warns us to consider carefully what you hear (Mark 4:24) and how you hear (Luke 8:18).

(2) In Mark 4:9 the Lord warned, “Whoever has ears to hear had better listen!” and again in verse 23 He said “If anyone has ears to hear, he had better listen!
(3) Seven times, once in each of the letters to the seven churches in Revelation 2 and 3 we read, “He who has an ear let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

(4) In Proverbs 18:13 it is written, “Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish.”

(5) In Proverbs 18:2 Solomon offers a direct open evaluation of those who would rather talk than listen: “A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions”.

(6) In Deuteronomy 18:15 Mosses wrote “The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you—from your fellow Israelites; you must listen to him.”

(7) In James 1:19-20, “My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires”

The Bible is clear that anyone who cannot communicate will not lead well or long. It should be clear by now that effective communication involves more than just speaking and hearing. Real communication only takes place when both parties move beyond speaking and hearing to understanding.

Most of us spend vast amounts of time and energy developing other skills, such as long-term planning, time management and public speaking. All of which are very important in our quest for self-improvement and success. But equally important is taking time to develop the skill of Listening. Those who wish to be successful will invest the time and effort to develop this skill.

An easy three (3)-step process is:
(1) Attention: Listen without interruption, debate, or judgment
(2) Consideration: Listen to what they are saying, listen for what they are not saying, listen for what they are thinking while they are talking
(3) Reflection: When they have finished speaking, reflect back to them what you heard them say
Proverbs 13 teaches us the truth about communication: “He who answers before listening – that is his folly and his shame.” Active listening is the number one communication skill required for success. Effective communication involves more than just speaking and hearing. Real communication only takes place when both parties move beyond speaking and hearing to understanding.

Let me help you to learn how to actively listen in your life. Contact me on the web at realpathcoaching.com: email me at rplcoaching@gmail.com or better yet call me at 843 5899236

Article Source: http://www.articles.narrowisthepath.com

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