“The ear of the leader must ring with the voices of the people.” Woodrow Wilson
The first step in teach ability is learning to listen. American writer and philosopher Henry David Thoreau wrote, “It takes two to speak the truth - one to speak and one to hear.” Being a good listener helps us to know people better, to learn what they have learned, and to show them that we value them as individuals. Listening shows respect, builds relationships, increases knowledge, generates new ideas and builds loyalty. Herb Cohen, often called the world’s best negotiator, says, “Effective listening requires more than hearing the words transmitted, it demands that you find meaning and understanding in what is being said. After all meanings are not in words, but in people”. To listen with your heart, your listening has to be active.
Abraham Lincoln was one of the most teachable presidents. He was always an avid listener, and asked nearly everyone he met to send him their ideas and opinions. As the old saying goes, “There’s a reason you have one mouth and two ears”. Listen to others, remain humble, and you will begin to learn things everyday that can help you to expand your talent.
The world-renowned Opera star, Madame Ernestine Schmann-Heink went through a very traumatic experience. Early in her career, her husband deserted her. She found herself almost penniless with four children to look after. She decided to kill herself and the children under a running train. Late one night she sat on the railway track with her children clutched tightly her arms, waiting for the Express Train to run them down. Suddenly her little daughter called out: “Mummy, I love you, please let us go home”. This tiny voice brought her to her senses. She abandoned her desperate plan and decided to give life another shot. It did not take her long to rise to fame and be acclaimed as one of the greatest singers of all time. Yes God’s voice reaches us in very different ways from those we may not imagine. If only we could spend time in silent reflection each day listening to His voice speaking to us through peoples and events, what a difference it would make.
