In our day-to-day conversations,

we often want other people to hear our perspective—

but we don’t care to hear their opinion in return.

In fact, we’ve usually already judged their view as inappropriate or incorrect.

We simply want to tell them what we think and move on.

However, proper, effective communication hasn’t taken place until you have first heard.

One of Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People is this:

“Seek first to understand, then to be understood.”

Placing a priority on effective communication is key to elevating your relationships—

and that will only happen when you place a priority on listening to other people speak.

I’m Mac Hammond; this is the Winner’s Minute.