Thinking about the call to leadership, the first notion many people have of a leader is someone who takes charge in dishing out commands and ideas while everyone stands quiet and listens. But a leader who keeps communication one way fails as a leader the moment he or she fails to ask questions and listen.
Proverbs 18:13 tells us, "If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame" (ESV). I know how many leaders—both corporate and ministry—have a huge tendency to railroad conversations and fail to give a listening ear, but it is a skill that every leader must master. But sometimes it can be a challenge to get followers to talk especially when they get so used to leaders who are always talking. That's why learning how to listen means learning how to ask the right questions.
Here are three questions leaders can ask their followers to receive insight that they can listen to and learn from.
Can I do anything for you?
During my early years in my vocational ministry, my leader would set a once-a-week meeting with me to ask one question: "How can I serve you this week?" Jesus strongly defines leadership as service and not glory. As leaders we are called to lead from the rear end, pushing our people to the goal because we are the ones who see the goal best.
Mark 10:43 says, "But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant" (ESV). Leadership is a call to serve first before it is a call to be served.
What's next for you?
Leaders don't just inspire followers. They should also build leaders who will in turn train leaders. As leaders, the responsibility can often fall on us to be an empowering force upon the lives of people who work with us. When people lack vision, we must teach them to create a personal vision for themselves.
Some leaders are afraid of building someone else's vision because it can sometimes lead them away from the vision of the organization. One of the administrators on my team has the heart for missions and, as scary as it is to lose an extra limb, I challenge her to believe God to be sent out to the nations one day.
How are you?
Culture somehow dictates that work and personal life should be separate. While that helps maintain a level of professionalism, it also loses us leaders to cause a relational touch. It doesn't hurt to once in a while check how our followers are holistically so we can get a better understanding of the stance they are in and possibly how we can help coach and mentor them in other areas such as family, health and relationship with God.
