Habits 5&6: Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood; Synergize “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” Steven Covey

“Be quick to listen and slow to speak...” James 1

Any encouragement to “synergize”--to work together, usually means understanding those you would work alongside of as well as being understood by them. And, since most of us tend to get caught up in wanting to be heard, it would be wise to nurture a listening ear. I
have found that people will listen to your story, and input when you take time to really listen to theirs. Every interaction can be a rich learning and sharing experience. Sadly this is often lost to people who like to hear themselves talk or think they have all the answers. Conversations Within ts 7/27/2012 (Lake Tahoe)

Habits 5&6: Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood; Synergize “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” Steven Covey

“Be quick to listen and slow to speak...” James 1

Any encouragement to “synergize”--to work together, usually means understanding those you would work alongside of as well as being understood by them. And, since most of us tend to get caught up in wanting to be heard, it would be wise to nurture a listening ear. I
have found that people will listen to your story, and input when you take time to really listen to theirs. Every interaction can be a rich learning and sharing experience. Sadly this is often lost to people who like to hear themselves talk or think they have all the answers. Conversations Within ts 7/27/2012 (Lake Tahoe)

Habit 4: “Think Win-Win” “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” Steven Covey

“Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.” Phil.2

For years I had the mistaken notion that if you were a Christian you should always be willing to lose and let your opponent win. I felt this way because I had misunderstood the words of Jesus to turn the other cheek. The truth is that if I let my neighbor or spouse or boss always win and I lose, then ultimately they will become losers. If I am committed to what is best for the people in my life, then letting them ultimately lose is unacceptable. This may mean not letting people take advantage of you and showing them how both of you can prosper. This way everybody wins in the short and long term. Conversations Within ts 7/24/2012 (Yosemite National Park, CA)

Habit 4: “Think Win-Win” “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” Steven Covey

“Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.” Phil.2

For years I had the mistaken notion that if you were a Christian you should always be willing to lose and let your opponent win. I felt this way because I had misunderstood the words of Jesus to turn the other cheek. The truth is that if I let my neighbor or spouse or boss always win and I lose, then ultimately they will become losers. If I am committed to what is best for the people in my life, then letting them ultimately lose is unacceptable. This may mean not letting people take advantage of you and showing them how both of you can prosper. This way everybody wins in the short and long term. Conversations Within ts 7/24/2012 (Yosemite National Park, CA)

Habit 3: “Put First Things First” “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” Steven Covey

“Seek first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto you.” Jesus

Everybody knows you put your sock on before your shoe, at least if you don’t want to backtrack. The truth is that for most of us, going back is often the only way to go forward. This is especially true where God’s kingdom is concerned. I often wander off the path only to hear the familiar voice saying, “I don’t think so Tim.” Of course backtracking doesn’t seem like you are going forward--putting first things are first, but it is. The very moment you turn around, God’s kingdom becomes first. This is why it is important to not judge where people are, but the direction they are headed. A man may be down in a hole, but that’s OK if He is climbing out, not falling in. Conversations Within ts 7/24/2012 (Las Vegas, NV)