During the broadcast, the importance of contributions from every member on the council was emphasized by a panel consisting of Elder M. Russell Ballard, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, and Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles; Elder Walter F. Gonzàlez of the Presidency of the Seventy; and Julie B. Beck, Relief Society general president.
"I think we have the mistaken notion that every element of revelation coming to the ward has to come through the bishop," said Elder Bednar. "By virtue of his keys, he has to acknowledge it and affirm it, but he doesn't necessarily have to be the only vehicle through whom it comes."
Elder Bednar emphasized the importance of unity once the presiding authority has made a decision in order for the council to operate under the influence of the Holy Ghost.
Elder Holland warned against a cultural disregard for the value of women in councils. "We sometimes have not been as inviting or as encouraging … to the women sitting in the council as we should be," he said. "We've got to have the help of the women."
The panel emphasized that wise leaders listen.
"The gift of discernment operates more effectively when we're listening as opposed to when we're talking," said Elder Bednar.
Elder Ballard added that the principle of listening applies to every member of the council and that no one member should dominate the conversation.
"When [the] Spirit operates within the council system of the Church, the work will go forward, and we will rescue many more of our Father's children," Elder Ballard said. "It's one grand work that we all put our shoulder to."