Habit 5: Seek First To Understand, Then To Be Understood Part 2

    In the last blog post, I covered the importance of Empathic Listening, in this blog post, I will cover the steps of seeking to be understood. In the second portion of habit 2 delivering is the main point covered. The first step is to understand, after listening to the speaker think about what they said, don't just think about it, understand it. Perception is a crucial point author Covey makes. Perception helps a listener visualize and recognize why the speaker stands where they stand. A good listener must be considerate and fully accomplish Empathic Listening. Mutual respect is another step in good communication. Each individual must be considerate and not be stuck on their "own thing".  

(Not my image)

    At the beginning of Habit 5, Covey brings up The Emotional Bank Account. An Emotional Bank Account refers to the levels of trust, and respect people have for one another. Positive interactions deposit into the bank, while negative interactions withdraw from the bank. I bring this up because it signifies the importance of a good connection. Positive interactions like Empathic Listening and replying with well-understood concepts, deposit into the bank. A full bank equals a strong relationship built on strong foundations, while an empty bank equals weak relationships. 

    At the end of Habit 5, Covey shares application suggestions for practicing new habits. I tried number 4, turning a situation into a deposit. I often find myself interrupting conversations because of my excitement and need to share my thoughts. Unfortunately, this is an example of withdrawing from the Emotional Bank Account. So, as I found myself interrupting my friend, and talking about how I felt about the topic I stopped, and apologized for interrupting. I realized I wasn't really trying to understand what she was saying but just waiting until I could talk. She continued, and I listened. After the conversation,  I realized how much smoother the conversation went by without any of my interruptions, and even as I really wanted to share my opinions I waited, because there is always time to continue the conversation.

    As I have previously stated in the last blog post, Habit 5 has been my absolute favorite to read and write about. In comparison to the other activities, this feels like something I can easily do. Additionally, it is something I know I need to work on. I can see my future self being thankful for practicing this in advance because I can tell this will be crucial for my social skills.

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