Stephen R. Covey – Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply
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Welcome to The Daily Quote—a podcast designed to kickstart your day in a positive way. I'm your host, Andrew McGivern, for January 5th. Did you know that today is the National Day of Dialogue? A day dedicated to fostering understanding, connection, and meaningful communication.
It’s a reminder that when we sit down and truly listen to one another, amazing things can happen. In honor of this day, I’ve chosen a quote by Stephen R. Covey, auther of the book - Seven Habits of Highly Successful People.
Stephen Covey once said,
"Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply."
It’s a simple observation, but wow—does it hit home. We’ve all been there. Someone is talking, but instead of actually listening, we’re just waiting for our turn to jump in. Maybe it’s to defend ourselves, share our perspective, or tell a story we think is better.
The problem is, when we’re focused on what we’re going to say next, we’re missing what’s being said right now. This ties beautifully into both New Year’s Resolutions Week and National Mentoring Month. Whether your resolution is to improve your relationships, excel in your career, or simply be a better person, becoming a better listener is a great place to start.
And for mentors, this quote is a powerful reminder: The most impactful guidance doesn’t always come from what you say—it comes from truly hearing what your mentee needs.
Think about it. When was the last time you listened with the intent to understand? Not to fix, not to respond, but just to be there. It’s a game-changer in any conversation, whether it’s with a friend, a coworker, or even during those moments of self-reflection.
So, here’s your challenge for today: the next time you find yourself in a conversation—whether it’s about work, family, or a New Year’s goal—pause before you reply. Ask yourself: Am I listening to understand or just waiting for my turn? On this National Day of Dialogue, let’s make a pact to do better. To listen with intention. To communicate with purpose. Because, as Covey reminds us, true understanding begins when we stop planning our response and start truly hearing each other.
That’s it for today’s episode of The Daily Quote. I'm Andrew McGivern signing off for today. Until tomorrow, take care, and remember: the best conversations start with the gift of your full attention. And I'll be back tomorrow, same pod time, same pod station for another Daily Quote.