From The Pastor’s Pen – By Brian Horrobin
Back in the first part of the summer, at the end of June, I was privileged to attend the retirement celebration of one of Chatham-Kent’s caring leaders.
Lori Marshall had served as the CEO of the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance since 2017 and accomplished much in her time in this position of leadership.
Each person attending the event received a small booklet which contained an overview of the various actions that Marshall implemented in her time with the Alliance.
The first thing I noticed was a quote she made when asked what she would give as leadership advice.
This is what she said: “My biggest leadership advice is to be a good listener. When you realize that the wisdom lies in others, that’s when the magic happens.”
Bingo!
I think Lori Marshall is on to something here.
Listening can sure save us from a lot of grief, and it can give us a clearer perspective on things.
This is also what the Bible teaches. James 1:19 says, “Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” Another paraphrase of this verse says it even clearer: “Post this at all intersections, dear friends: Lead with your ears, follow up with your tongue, and let anger straggle along in the rear.”
Hmmmm.
That’s some good advice for all of us this week.
Let’s hold our tongues and lead with our ears.
Maybe that’s why Lori Marshall had such a great impact on those she served and led in her time with the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance.
We can all learn from her example.
