Let's get this list finished up before Christmas. You're wondering who "us" is, huh? Ok. It's on me. I'm going to finish up this list before Christmas. This one isn't really any fun - but it's important.
Listen to Complaints
As in when people make comments less than complimentary. Even disparaging. Listen.
- If one person is making the observation, ten more may be thinking the same thing. They just didn't have the courage to say so.
- The person may not understand your values, methods or language, but if you'll listen, you may learn what people are actually hearing - even if you don't intend to communicate it.
- There's usually at least a grain of truth - even if the complaint is riddled with emotion and misinformed statements.
- A primary concern (in addition to your faithfulness to the message of Jesus) should be how people are hearing and experience your message: from the parking lot to the message to the care expressed in your systems and connection points.
- Often people who share legitimate concerns are people who can help bring solutions to your systems and organization.
