Seven Habits Review (page 2)
The second
three, or fourth, fifth, and sixth habits, all deal with
effectively interacting with other people. Covey believes that
interdependence is an important goal, and that there is a simple
if not easy way to work toward this goal.
4. Think Win-Win:
Covey makes an effective case for viewing relationships
in the framework of an abundance mentality, where there are
enough resources for everybody, as opposed to a scarcity
mentality, where there is not enough for everybody.
If we think win-lose in our relationships the other party
feels taken advantage of. If we think lose-win, we never get
what we want. In lose-lose, well, what's the point? Only
win-win relationships make sense, although that is not how we
are usually brought up. We have to train ourselves to share
credit, recognition, and power, to be happy for the people
around us when they succeed, and to work toward making the whole
pie bigger, so everybody's piece is bigger.
5. Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood:
This is the communication habit, in that effective people
are effective empathic listeners. Essentially, Covey states
that when you are talking with someone it is very important for
them to know you understand what they are saying before you try
to get your own point across. Then they will be receptive to
your point. Before that, they will still be thinking about
whether or not you do understand.
From Covey's perspective, and my own, this may be the
most powerful habit. I have personally seen the tremendous
effect this has on people.
6. Synergize:
The teamwork or creative cooperation habit is putting
habit 4 into action. By recognizing the unique gifts of others,
we can create relationships that seek solutions that are better
than any one person in the group could come up with on their
own. These solutions are the win-wins that are only possible
through an understanding of the other person's perspective.
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