* Active listening: Paying close attention to what the other person is saying, both verbally and non-verbally.
* Empathy: Trying to step into their shoes and see things from their point of view.
* Asking clarifying questions: Seeking further information to ensure you understand their thoughts and feelings accurately.
* Suspending judgment: Putting aside your own biases and preconceived notions to objectively understand their perspective.
Why is seeking to understand important?
* Better communication: It fosters understanding and reduces miscommunication.
* Stronger relationships: It builds trust and strengthens connections between people.
* Effective problem-solving: It helps find common ground and creative solutions.
* Personal growth: It broadens your understanding of the world and promotes empathy.
Examples:
* Instead of immediately disagreeing with someone's opinion, you ask, "Can you tell me more about why you think that?"
* You listen attentively to a friend's concerns, even if you don't agree, and try to understand their perspective.
* In a work meeting, you ask clarifying questions to ensure you understand a colleague's proposal before providing your feedback.
In essence, "seek to understand" is about moving beyond our own opinions and perspectives to truly connect with and appreciate others.