September 19 , 2007
"A Model for Listening”
Dear Friend,
A key component of seeking to understand is learning to listen. Very often we do not listen. We simply endure what others are saying until it is our turn to reply. I recently learned a model for better listening. It is built on the word “clear.”
- C – Collegiality: When we listen to people, we should listen to them as our peers instead of thinking we are superior.
- LE – Listen with Empathy: This means we listen to experience what others are feeling instead of judging what they are saying.
- A – Ask questions: Before we assume that we have someone figured out, we should ask several thoughtful questions.
- R – Respect: Respect is a quality of our character, rather than a reward that someone earns by meeting our approval. We should respect people as human beings even if we do not respect all of their behaviors.
I try to practice this model, and as I do, I sense that I really understand other people better. Remember: the psalmist taught us to pray “Give me understanding.” When we first seek to understand, we live a higher quality of life and become much more effective in our relationships at home, in the workplace and in our community.
Doc
Dr. Dave Collings
Lead Pastor
Christ Church
