Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood
Principles of Effectiveness
Respect, mutual understanding, empathy, and courage.
What It Means...
Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood means we try to completely understand another person before presenting our own point of view. It means balancing courage and consideration and expressing our views with clarity and respect.
Common
Paradigm
"I need to make sure people understand my point of view."
Highly Effective
Paradigm
"I have greater influence with others if I truly understand them first."
Back to the 7 habits tree
Practice Empathic Listening.
Respectfully seek to be understood.
