The third leadership trait that I’d like to highlight today is communication. A leader needs to be one who is a good communicator. It has been said that communication is life’s number one skill.[i] I believe it is fundamental to being successful in one’s life. So much of who we are is based upon our ability to be able to communicate our points of view in a positive way.
Communication sometimes is broken down into two areas: speaking and writing. What I have learned over the years is that being a good listener is just as vital as the other two. Many times more is communicated to others when you spend time listening to them instead of trying to fix their problems.
How do you get better at communicating? For some it comes very natural, even too easily. But for most people, speaking in front of people just takes practice. Even though you might not always feel comfortable doing it, challenge yourself to accept the opportunities to speak to others when asked. That might be as simple as helping lead the prayer in your classroom or at home during dinner.
People become better writers by writing. Journaling is good practice, and a safe place to express yourself. Many adults keep journals and look back on them from time to time to help clarify their thoughts.
Listening sometimes is the toughest, because we all have the tendency to want to put our two cents worth in on a conversation. Being a good listener though is a valuable trait. As you grow older and develop deeper relationships, you’ll see how listening is something to be valued.
Our faith walk grows as we listen to God. It grows as we speak with Him. And, it grows when we can write our thoughts down about Him and reflect on those words.
David communicated his love for God when he wrote Psalm 8[ii]
1O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! …
3 When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,
4 what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?
5 You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor.
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