“Pay attention!”
“Hello! Earth to Bill.”
“Did you hear what I just said?”
How many of you have heard those words or words which are similar? If I earned a dollar for every time I heard them I could retire and live off the interest.Ā šĀ It isn’t that I am ADHD. I’m not. But my mind is often not where it belongs and my attention is elsewhere. Someone may have dropped a thought moments ago and my mind is pursuing it instead of listening to what is being said or to who is saying it…NOW!
I recently reread a book I read many years ago. It is copyrighted 2004. In my effort to be a better leader in 2025, I have been reading a multitude of books on leadership. This particular book is entitled The Way of the Shepherd by Dr. Kevin Leman and William Pentak.Ā It was invaluableĀ as I read and highlighted and even re-highlighted some previously chosen sections. One that stuck out to me early in the book was the following (and inspired this post):
You have to take a personal interest in each of the people who report directly to you,” Neumann answered. “You need to discover their skills and interests. You need to know their goals and dreams, what motivates them when they walk through the door in the morning, what their career ambitions and frustrations are. In other words, Ted, you have to make a point of knowing what things are impacting them at the moment. (p.27)
Nothing makes people feel more “seen” or more “heard” than to know the one whom they answer to on a daily basis truly cares about them, truly listens to them and knows them. I’m not shaking any new stick when I say that people are complex and we are all different. What is on one person’s mind never crosses someone else’s mind. What is a burr in someone’s saddle is like a mere mosquito which is crushed by one slap to someone else. But it is absolutely essential that each person in your orbit know they are important to you. That is especially true if you are a leader.
But it also applies to each family. Each church. Each business. Each sports team. Each class. Each job. Each person is just that, one person. That is why the short statements I gave at the beginning are so crushing. To have them used is like saying, ‘I have my thing; you are have yours; and never shall the two cross.” I’m glad Jesus sees each of us as individuals and not as a group. He doesn’t lump us all together as “Unruly” or “Disinterested” or “Prime listener” or “___________.” He pays attention to us one sheep at a time.
That’s good advice as you begin your week.
Everyone likes to know that they are both seen and heard, Bill. I’m so thankful that Jesus sees each person individually, and lets us know how much He loves us just as we are. “One sheep at a time.” Yes!
Blessings!
I certainly agree Martha and am trying to be more conscious of that, in both the church and in my life in general. “One sheep at a time.”
Good advice Bill. We need to be engaged in every conversation, and show the same love for those we are with that God shows us everyday. Conversations are the perfect way to reflect Gods love back into each person, and build up the kingdom of God. Lets get love and kindness to carry forward instead of grumbling and discontent.
Well said Gail. Love and kindness go a long way
Sounds like a good book. The conversation of leadership has crossed my path in more ways than one recently. No doubt there are good leaders and bad leaders. No doubt there are those who call themselves leaders, but really are only taking a walk. One must lead by example, lead from the front, and lead with a servant’s heart. Leading is more than a title. Leading requires sacrifice and as you have quoted, taking a personal interest in those you lead to understand where folks are coming from, where they desire to go and help provide the tools to guide and direct as needed.
I would love to share some of my leadership books with you Ryan. Maybe i can make some time to get over and bring them.
Amen. One sheep at a time. One soul at a time. One conversation at a time. One task at a time. One Savior ALL the time.
Short. Succinct. To the point. And TRUE! Thanks Linda.