 Periodically throughout the past 12 months we've introduced or reacquainted readers with Dr. Stephen Covey, author of a number of acclaimed books that include the international best seller, "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People."
Our first topic was, appropriately, Habit 1: "Be Proactive." "As human beings we are responsible for our own lives. Our behaviors, and the consequences of those behaviors, are a function of our decisions, not our conditions."
We've since covered Habit 2: "Begin with the End in Mind," Habit 3: "Put First Things First" and Habit 4: "Think Win-Win."
Our main topic for February is Habit 5: "Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood." Most of us have spent years learning how to read, write and speak effectively, and not nearly enough time learning how to listen effectively.
Our ability to listen and understand others has a direct correlation to our ability to communicate effectively.
Warm Regards,
Bob Bugle
Bugle Media Services Ph: 410-420-1144
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"7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Dr. Stephen R. Covey
Analysis by Bob Bugle
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"Habits are powerful factors in our lives. Because they are consistent, often unconscious patterns, they constantly, daily, express our character and produce our effectiveness...or ineffectiveness." Dr. Covey Dr. Covey defines a habit as the intersection of knowledge (what to do), skill (how to do it) and desire (wanting to do it). Unless all three elements are involved, a good habit will never be formed. Merely knowing what to do and having the will to do it produces ineffective results if we don't possess the skill set required to accomplish the task. Similarly, having the knowledge and skill but lacking the desire accomplishes nothing. Habit 5: "Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood"As Dr. Covey states, "We have such a tendency to rush in, to fix things up with good advice. But we often fail to take the time to diagnose, to really, deeply understand the problem first."
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Habit 5: Seek First to Understand Then to Be Understood, As explained by Steven Covey
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Habit 5: Seek First to Understand Then to Be Understood
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Ten Steps to Effective Listening
By Dianne Schilling
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In today's high-tech, high-speed, high-stress world, communication is more  important then ever, yet we seem to devote less and less time to really listening to one another. Genuine listening has become a rare gift-the gift of time. It helps build relationships, solve problems, ensure understanding, resolve conflicts, and improve accuracy. At work, effective listening means fewer errors and less wasted time. At home, it helps develop resourceful, self-reliant kids who can solve their own problems. Listening builds friendships and careers. It saves money and marriages. Here are 10 tips to help you develop effective listening skills. Step 1: Face the speaker and maintain eye contact.
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"Great job Bob, love to read your Bugle Calls every month. I am constantly inspired and potentially lifted to make NEW sales out there. Matt's article is the perfect focus this month. His column is very to the point and guiding."
Marge Pearson-McCue Director of Advertising/Operations
Advocate Publishing Corp.
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As always, we welcome feedback from our readers including suggestions for future topics. We hope you find value in receiving "Bugle Calls", and encourage you to forward a copy to a friend, acquaintance or business associate so they can benefit from the information as well. "A High Tide Raises All Boats" as the saying goes. As each of us work together and share our knowledge and experience, we and our organizations benefit. Bob Bugle Bugle Media Services | Ph: 410-420-1144 |
