SEEK FIRST TO UNDERSTAND SERIES

For example, where a вЂsolutionвЂ™ has been proposed without a clear understanding of the opportunity or problem.

The вЂSeek first to understand and then to be understoodвЂ™ habit could be applied to inform the approach for business analysis work. Also, they often need to influence and persuade with regard to the required change outcomes. BAs need to understand the environment within which they work, the root causes of problems and issues, and the priorities and beliefs held by stakeholders. What can Business Analysts Learn from this habit?Дeveloping this habit is essential for BAs wishing to work effectively as understanding and influencing others is essential during business analysis work. As a basis for developing the habit of active listening this approach can be extremely effective.

The stick is then passed on to the person that had previously listened, again the same rules are applied. The person that they are speaking to cannot speak, unless to ask questions, until the stick holder is satisfied that they have been listened to. The premise behind this is the physical holding of a stick (a pen or other object can be used) for the person that is talking. To help develop this habit Covey introduces the concept of the вЂIndian Talking Stick ( ). When Lou wants Alex to show interest in some new endeavour, unsurprisingly, there may be a similar lack of interest! Lou misses out on opportunity to enhance the relationship and to learn about a hobby that could be enjoyable if they showed an interest. As a result, Alex might feel angry or upset due to LouвЂ™s apparent inattention. Perhaps Alex has started a new hobby that they are describing with great enthusiasm, yet Lou fails to pay attention and misses out on understanding what it is that their partner enjoys about it or their reasons for starting it.

As with the other habits, this habit can be applied to your personal or work life.ДЄs an example, letвЂ™s apply this habit to a discussion between two partners, Alex and Lou. This habit is a great place to start when you wish to increase your effectiveness or you need to influence others. On an individual basis this provides a platform for the other person to feel validated and affirmed. The habit provides a strong basis for developing and demonstrating empathy towards another personвЂ™s or groupвЂ™s perspective. We did amazing thingsвЂ¦and we did it together as a team of active listeners.Developing this habit means that by default you listen, pay attention and understand before you put seek to put your view across.

SEEK FIRST TO UNDERSTAND SERIES

We reduced the Call CenterвЂ™s abandonment rate from 35% to 5%, we improved occupancy of the Blue Man Group show from 90% to 98%, and we elevated the guest experience with a series of process improvements and efficiencies that still makes my head spin. They became closer, more supportive of each other, and more effective as leaders.Д«y working together with my Leads to both understand each of the challenges that we faced within our ticketing operation and to critically think about potential solutions, we moved mountains. Finally, I saw how developing solutions together brought my team closer together. I found that collaborating helped us to unlock solutions that none of us would have thought of alone. More importantly, I learned that the best way to solve problems was to work together as a team. During my time in ticketing, I learned a lot about interpersonal skills, problem solving, and active listening.