Musings 1.2

“Seek first to understand before being understood”

I’m aware that this isn’t the most groundbreaking quote I’ll ever share but it’s definitely a difficult one to follow.

I’ve recently been doing some research into conversation and connection for an upcoming keynote and almost everything I’ve been reading can be summarised by these words. Whether it’s about how we listen, applying curiosity, empathy, or what types of questions we ask, it comes to bare that this is the underlying principle that drives it all.

Makes sense doesn’t it? But putting it into practice can take time and a lot of concerted effort, especially when you’re someone like me who wouldn’t consider themselves the most fleet footed conversationalist. Many people access this sentiment in situations where they need information, or are negotiating. In fact it’s a very “How to win friends and influence people” type of concept.

However, when applied correctly, I think it can provide great access to empathy and deeper connections that go beyond a lot of the surface level conversations I for one, would like to try to avoid.

Canon G12. ISO 80 | f8 | 1/10