Am I listening to understand or to reply?

“Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.” — Stephen R. Covey

Context and Insight

True listening opens doors for understanding others’ needs and perspectives.

Why This Matters for Servant Leadership

Servant leadership starts with deep listening, which builds trust and clarity.

Personal Application

• Practice active listening in your next meeting without interrupting.
• Summarize what you heard before sharing your view.
• Ask one clarifying question before responding in conversation.

Invitation

Commit to three conversations this week where you listen first.

Related Topics

• Understanding
• Communication Skills
• Conflict Resolution

For more questions like this, explore The Reflective Leader series.