Seek first to understand, then to be understood to me focuses on listening. How can I make sure that I can listen better? As a Captain for the fire department, I was in charge of the duty crew, ranging from 3 to 8 people. When we train or run emergency calls, I am the one making the decisions. These decisions could result in some serious consequences. I have always been open to ideas to improve our training and tactics for calls and have learned that even under great pressure, although I am in charge, someone might have a better solution. The ability to listen and comprehend what someone else is thinking is very important.
At HSHMC, I have been able to build close relationships with the students. I am a person who students seek out when they have a bad day or in some cases if they make a mistake, I am often one who can help understand why the students made the poor decision. I am able to sit their and listen to the student and reflect upon their “feelings” and the “meanings”.
It was interesting to me that Dr. P mentioned that you must be aware that you are not just waiting to speak your turn or voice your opinion. This is a ‘lose, lose situation.” I know I have been in conversations where all I want is to have my opinion heard and in doing so, I am not focused on what others are saying.
I think that I have become and I commit to becoming a better listener. I think that by summarizing and repeating someone else’s thoughts or ideas, it makes the other person know they have been heard and are understood. In doing so, they are more apt to listen to you speak. Attending the Restorative Practices Leadership conference last year helped me understand this concept.
Listening is a skill. It takes collaboration between everyone. At school, my ability to listen to staff and students will promote a better and more successful school culture. Just like in habit #4 1+1=3.
At HSHMC, I have been able to build close relationships with the students. I am a person who students seek out when they have a bad day or in some cases if they make a mistake, I am often one who can help understand why the students made the poor decision. I am able to sit their and listen to the student and reflect upon their “feelings” and the “meanings”.
It was interesting to me that Dr. P mentioned that you must be aware that you are not just waiting to speak your turn or voice your opinion. This is a ‘lose, lose situation.” I know I have been in conversations where all I want is to have my opinion heard and in doing so, I am not focused on what others are saying.
I think that I have become and I commit to becoming a better listener. I think that by summarizing and repeating someone else’s thoughts or ideas, it makes the other person know they have been heard and are understood. In doing so, they are more apt to listen to you speak. Attending the Restorative Practices Leadership conference last year helped me understand this concept.
Listening is a skill. It takes collaboration between everyone. At school, my ability to listen to staff and students will promote a better and more successful school culture. Just like in habit #4 1+1=3.