It was Stephen Covey that first introduced me to this in my early 20's. Seek first to understand before being understood. It implies dropping your bias, your judgement and pre-conditioned responses and really being present and listening to what is in front of you. It comes done to hearing the truth! It comes down to owning that and not leaving it up to someone else to perfectly phrase the truth for you.
But it takes courage to embrace change in you and your point of view. It takes a trust that you can be open to see the world from a different perspective without it fundamentally destroying you or destroying the safe view you have of yourself. It takes a strength to understand the world through someone else's eyes and being ok that it does not define you unless you choose it!
I have seen this in the past few weeks how we all have our filters and we have a choice to listen with our filters or drop them. There is a definite change in approach when you "listen to reply" versus "listen to understand" It is clear that when you listen to understand, that you have more influence and empowerment within your reach.
So seeking to understand need not be a scary or difficult activity. You have choice at your disposal which means you are not bound by what is in front of you to take it on or even believe it. It also helps me to know that no human in this world has all the facts and full truth at their disposal to completely understand a situation, an experience or a person.
All we can do is understand someone through their values and respect that they have their journey. Imposing our view does not work. A view that inspires change comes from a very powerful and pure place. But it starts with understanding first what is in front of you!
So be encouraged to actively listen to the next person and be present. Intend to listen to understand and see what unfolds!
Go Strong!
xoxo
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