Group Leader Tip #5

Good listening skills are so important for a group leader. People are going to speak, and when they do, you need to listen like a hawk.

Use this plan for when someone else is speaking: Actively listen to the person with both your eyes and ears. This means looking directly at them. Your body language matters too. Turn towards or lean towards them. And concentrate on what they are saying! Then acknowledge what the person said to *show them* you were listening. Use a simple phrase like “I hear what you are saying,” or “That makes sense.” Finally, add your own thoughts if you want and move the group along.

Honestly, one of the most important gifts you can give a person is the gift of listening to them. People yearn for someone to listen to them. Be the person that gives them that important gift.