The 5th Habit of Highly Effective Networkers is Seek First to Understand, then to Be Understood.
The order cannot be ignored. Seeking win/win in relationships from the 4th habit requires the next logical step to understand the other person.
Striving for the realm of interdependence requires that we work well with others. This 5th habit puts that principle to the test!
Enjoy the process, put yourself to the test, and be a blessing to those around you at your next networking function by seeking to understand first!
Understanding is a skill that must be developed. It isn’t a gift. It must be crafted by a person with the character necessary to govern truly understand.
Effective communication isn’t a function of technique. Effective communication flows from depth of character.
Technique is simply a manipulation of the situation. Most sales training is about manipulation rather than collaboration.
If you want to interact effectively – you need to first understand me.
You may care about and appreciate me, but if you don’t understand me...I can’t trust your words.
You have to build the skills of effective listening upon the foundation of character and true communication.
The mark of a true professional is to diagnosis before they prescribe.
If you don’t have confidence in the diagnosis , you won’t have confidence in the prescription...neither will the other person be open to receive it.
Integrity is demonstrated when you diagnosis before you prescribe. You have to be able to walk away pleasantly if this isn’t a good fit.
Diagnosis first is the key to meeting client’s needs.
Diagnosis first is the key to designing product that fits the needs of the market.
This is a common denominator principle...seek first to understand!
Try listening with your eyes the next time you’re in a conversation. Body language communicates almost as clearly as verbal communication. Listen to what the other person is saying with their body.
Because you really listen you become influenceable. Does that scare you? If so, plan to talk with someone close to you about it.
You will never be an influence without first being influenceable. How willing and open are to being influenced? Just as it’s required that you follow before you lead, you must seek to understand before you will be understood.
Seeking first to understand requires that you suspend your judgment before you are understood. Suspending judgment is diagnosing before you prescribe. Can you do that?