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The Leadership ChallengeSample

The Leadership Challenge

DAY 20 OF 50

  

Challenge 20

SOLOMON: COMMUNICATING EFFECTIVELY

READ: Proverbs 18:1–24

Earlier we reflected on Solomon’s request that God grant him wisdom and the ability to determine right from wrong. Much of Solomon’s wisdom is collected in the book of Proverbs, a collection of wise sayings mostly attributed to him. In Proverbs 18:13 we find this advice: “If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.” Effective communication is critical for good leadership, and an important part of effective communication is listening to your team. The writer of James puts it this way: “let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger” (James 1:19). One skill we can develop to put this advice into practice is listening without preparing a response. It might seem like good multitasking to plan what you are going to say next while the other person is talking, but it is poor listening and can lead to the shame and folly Solomon describes in this proverb. Only when we can listen in such a way that we can accurately repeat back to the speaker what they have said (active listening) will we be able to respond in a manner that will move communication forward.

What are some other lessons we can learn about leadership from this section of Proverbs? How will you improve your communication ability?

Day 19Day 21

About this Plan

The Leadership Challenge

The Bible doesn’t discuss leadership like a popular business book. However, since God is the creator of everything that exists as well as the rules and processes by which everything works, the Scriptures do provide principles and examples that give us insight and wisdom into effective leadership. The social and cultural backgrounds of the Bible are different than ours, but the Scriptures contain truth that transcends time and space.

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We would like to thank American Bible Society for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: http://armedservicesministry.org/