People who seek first to understand, then to be understood try to completely understand another person before presenting their own point of view. Habit 5 means balancing courage and consideration and expressing our views with clarity and respect.
Kid Language
Listen Before You Talk: I listen to other people’s ideas and feelings. I try to see things from their viewpoints. I listen to others without interrupting. I am confident in voicing my ideas. I look people in the eyes when talking.
Ways to practice Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood:
- Try to go one whole hour without talking even once. Instead, just watch the people around you and listen to what they are saying. Good luck!
- Think of someone in your life who you think is a good listener. What do they do that makes them a good listener?
- The next time one of your friends is sad, notice his/her eyes or the way he/she holds his/her body. Tell him/her you know he/she is sad and that you want to help.