Long Listening

We all want quick answers. We want to know what we need to do now, not later. I find this true in consulting as well.

Most relationships The Riddle Group begins with churches begins with an Assessment. Generally myself and one other consultant visit the church. It's basically 2 or 3 solid days of listening to people in various parts of the church tell the perspective on why things are the way they are, good, bad or neutral. They get to tell their story and it always fits into the big picture. A real joy of doing an assessment is is listening to a community tell it's story and seeing all the pieces come together. Each story leans on another's story and though they may be saying very different things, each is dependent upon each other. It's really cool to be a part of.
After the 2-3 days of listening (and taking a ton of notes) we spend the next day writing. All day. Then we tell what we've heard and what we think needs to happen.

I was thinking about this tonight. The wisdom these churches show in having someone listen for a long time to them (and paying them to do it) and waiting for a response when most people want quick solutions and quick answers.

Without long listening advice often rings shallow. Coaching is often way off based. Help isn't really helpful.

Most leaders want advice or insight now. Wise leaders are willing to wait for someone to actually understand their story.

How willing are you, to let someone listen to your story?
How much do you depend on the insight and direction of people who don't know your story?

Long listening may often be a barrier to people seeking the help of the Riddle Group, but we believe in partnering with the churches we work with, and that starts with us doing a lot of listening.