Seek First to Understand...

As one of the Seven Habits of Highly Effective People written by Stephen Covey states, “Seek first to understand, then be understood.”  While this is a very important skill to learn and have in all aspects of school, business and at home in the U.S., I can really understand its effectiveness living in another country.  Most of my colleagues here at Mzumbe speak English, but the level of English competency widely varies.  For someone who is just getting used to the local language and also the heavy African accents, it’s both challenging and at times frustrating to converse with another Tanzanian, even if they are extremely proficient in English.  That is why this particular Habit came to mind.  As I am speaking with a fellow Tanzanian colleague, there are many times when I can understand what they are speaking, but it’s important to really listen and also clarify and understand their meaning, as well.  I always try to make an effort to try and repeat what they have spoken to me, in an effort to see if I understand what they are saying and meaning.  If I can understand them, then there is dramatically less chance of miscommunication, and then it’s easier for me to communicate my thoughts and ideas to them.  I think this is an important habit, especially as an outsider in a foreign country, because as I try to integrate more into the community I really want to make an effort to have clear communication.  This way, it will a much more rewarding cultural exchange between myself, and others at my school and in my community.  It’s a really unique situation, because even though they may speak my native language, it doesn’t mean that our understanding of the language is the same.  Therefore, it’s always important to “seek first to understand, then be understood.”