“If there is any great secret in life, it lies in the ability to put yourself in the other person’s place and to see things from his point of view – as well as your own.” — Henry Ford

Stephen Covey writes, “The single most important principle in interpersonal relations is, seek first to understand, then to be understood.” He explains that most people fail at this discipline because they do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.

Craig Newmark, founder of the popular website Craigslist, has had great success with this principle. Speaking about his website, Craig admits, “There’s no genius behind it. It’s persistence and listening to people.”

The Bottom Line: Leaders listen with the intention to understand and this results in greater effectiveness with people and in business.