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Seek first to understand, then be understood, to build better client and employee relationships

“Seek first to understand, then to be understood” is a phrase from the book “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” written by Stephen Covey. It’s a simple but powerful concept that can greatly impact a business’s success. Here’s how you can apply it to your interactions with clients and employees.

Seeking first to understand means taking the time to truly listen to what your clients or employees are saying. It means putting aside your own agenda and focusing on their needs, concerns, and perspectives. This type of active listening helps build trust and creates a more positive, productive relationship. It’s the first thing they teach you in sales and customer support and has just as much impact when leading a team.

When it comes to clients, this understanding will lead to improved customer satisfaction and loyalty. When you take the time to understand your customers’ needs and wants, you can provide better, more personalised solutions. No client wants to hear every feature of your product; they want to know how it will help their business and their specific needs.

The same principle applies to employees. When you seek to understand your employees, you better understand their motivations, strengths, and challenges, leading to more effective communication, higher job satisfaction, and better team collaboration. When you show employees you genuinely care about them, they will be far more likely to care about the company and your common objectives.

To seek first to understand, you need to approach each interaction with an open mind and a willingness to learn. This means being an active listener, paying close attention to what’s being said and avoiding distractions. Ask questions, clarify misunderstandings, and go deeper than the superficial top level in each discussion.

Seeking first to understand is a valuable principle that can help you build stronger relationships with your clients and employees. By taking the time to listen and understand their needs, you can create a more positive, productive business environment. Start incorporating this habit into your interactions today, and watch your business relationships thrive.

Levels Growth Consultants

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