First, Understanding
July 26, 2020“Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.”
- Stephen R. Covey, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
When I catch myself doing this (listening with the intent to reply), I typically discover that I'm focused primarily on addressing my own wants and fears, with very little attention on the other person's wants and fears.
Ironically, most of the reasons I reply (to persuade, to inform, to comfort, to defend, to unify) can be achieved far more effectively when I understand the other person's perspective well.
Great communication begins with great understanding.
