“to relate effectively with a wife, a husband, children, friends, or working associates, we must learn to listen. and this requires emotional strength. listening involves patience, openness, and the desire to understand — highly developed qualities of character.” – 7 Habits (37)

“but knowing i need to listen and know how to listen is not enough. unless i want to listen, unless i have the desire, it won’t be a habit in my life. creating a habit requires work in all three dimensions.” – 7 Habits (47)

i am constantly working on my ability to listen. i promise to begin every conversation by saying (in my head), “i want to understand.”