{"id":83,"date":"2020-10-30T11:12:01","date_gmt":"2020-10-30T11:12:01","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/34.125.46.169\/?page_id=83"},"modified":"2026-09-27T19:31:23","modified_gmt":"2026-09-27T19:31:23","slug":"habit-5","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.franklincovey.de\/en\/courses\/the-7-habits\/habit-5\/","title":{"rendered":"habit-5"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCourses<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe 7 Habits of Highly Effective People\u00ae<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood®<\/span><\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span> Habit 4<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHabit 6 <\/span><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Free Guide<\/p>\n

Listen like a Leader: 9 Tips to Drive Powerful Conversations
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Discover how to become a better listen so you can earn more from others and they can learn more from you.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

\n Download<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n
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Register for an Event<\/p>\n

Live Events and Keynotes
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Explore our selection of free webinars and keynotes hosted by our world-class experts.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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The Principle of Respect\n<\/h2>\n <\/div>\n
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We spend years learning how to read, write, and speak. But what about listening? What training do we get that enables us to listen so we really, deeply understand others? Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then To Be Understood is about listening before we speak.<\/p>\n

Our default tendency is to try to get our point across. In doing so, we may ignore the other person completely, pretend that we\u2019re listening, or focus on the words and miss the meaning. At work, that means we might not fully understand a problem before we go to solve it. At home, it might mean we miss out on a chance at deeper connection with the people who matter most.<\/p>\n

Habit 5 is about learning to suspend our desire to respond automatically. It\u2019s about practicing a deeper and more intentional kind of listening. And then, when it is our time to be understood, it\u2019s about expressing our point of view in a clear and articulate way that keeps our audience\u2019s needs in mind.<\/p>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/span>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Autobiographical vs. Empathic Listening<\/h2>

When we listen autobiographically, we turn the other person\u2019s story into our story. We filter everything they say through our own experiences, values, and perspective.<\/p>\n

When we listen empathically, we create space for others to share their perspective and emotions. And in the process we build a deeper sense of connection and understanding.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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“If I were to summarize in one sentence the single most important principle I have learned in the field of interpersonal relations, it would be this: Seek first to understand, then to be understood.”<\/h2>\n

— Dr. Stephen R. Covey<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/span>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Habit 1<\/div>\n
Be Proactive\u00ae<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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Assume responsibility and focus on the things that can be influenced rather than what can\u2019t.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

\n Learn More<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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Habit 2<\/div>\n
Begin With the End in Mind\u00ae<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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Define clear measures for success and create a plan to achieve them\u2014in the next few hours, over the next few months, or across a lifetime.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

\n Learn More<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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Habit 3<\/div>\n
Put First Things First\u00ae<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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Prioritize and spend time on achieving the most important goals.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

\n Learn More<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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Habit 4<\/div>\n
Think Win-Win\u00ae<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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Approach each situation looking for ways everyone can win.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

\n Learn More<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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Habit 5<\/div>\n
Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood\u00ae<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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Listen, understand, and honor others\u2019 perspectives, and have the courage to express thoughts and feelings respectfully.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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Habit 6<\/div>\n
Synergize\u00ae<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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Leverage different perspectives to solve problems, innovate, and achieve more than any one individual alone.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

\n Learn More<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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Habit 7<\/div>\n
Sharpen the Saw\u00ae<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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Increase motivation, energy, and vitality by making time for renewal activities.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

\n Learn More<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/span>\n<\/section>\n\n\n
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Resources<\/h2>\n
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\n The 7 Habits Book<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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\n Mission Statement Builder<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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\n Your 7 Habits Strengths<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/span>\n<\/section>\n\n
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Build essential human skills. Drive growth at every level. <\/div>\n

Connect with a FranklinCovey expert today to empower your leaders and teams to unlock potential and unleash performance for your organization.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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