The Leadership ChallengeSample

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?