Empathic Listening: Seek First To Understand, Then To Be Understood (Habit 5)

"Seek First To Understand, Then To Be Understood" is Habit 5 of "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People"; Stephen Covey's classic book on leadership.

Most of us are listening to respond and not listening first to understand the other side of the conversation. We listen, interpret, and respond based on our own autobiography - our own experience - without trying to understand what's really happening on the other side.

Empathic, deep listening is key to every relationship in business and life. We can't meet the other and truly connect without empathic listening.

David will lead the discussion on Habit 5 with a presentation followed by a group discussion about our own experiences around being truly listened to by others and how that helped in the communication. We will discuss ways to cultivate this skill so that we can truly understand how to connect powerfully with others.

It's best if you read Habit 5 and come prepared to discuss this idea from the chapter.