The 5th of 7 Habits: a key to success

The 5th of Seven Habits: a key to success

I saw a post by Garrett Orr at QCL Leads this week about Stephen Covey’s Habit 5. And called Garrett for a discussion; here’s what I learned:

In the world of sales, where every interaction counts, Garrett at QCL Leads has discovered a secret weapon that consistently drives his team to success: Habit 5 from Stephen Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood?. This habit, while simple in concept, has a profound impact on the way Garrett’s team approaches their work, leading to stronger client

Garrett knows that the key to success in sales isn’t just about talking—it’s about truly listening. Empathic listening, the cornerstone of Habit 5, means going beyond the surface level of what a client says and delving into their deeper needs, concerns, and desires. By practicing this, Garrett’s team not only hears what clients are saying but also understands what they really mean.

This approach transforms sales conversations into meaningful dialogues. Clients leave interactions feeling valued and understood, which significantly boosts their confidence in QCL Leads. As a result, Garrett’s team doesn’t just close deals—they build lasting relationships grounded in trust and mutual respect.

At QCL Leads, Garrett has cultivated a culture where understanding comes first. He encourages his team to prioritize the client’s perspective in every conversation, making sure that they fully grasp the client’s situation before offering a solution. This approach has led to more effective problem-solving, as the team is able to tailor their offerings to precisely what the client needs.

Garrett has seen how this culture of understanding leads to a more positive working environment as well. Team members feel more connected to their clients and more satisfied with their work because they’re not just selling—they’re creating success. This sense of purpose translates into higher morale and a deeper commitment to excellence.

One of the most powerful outcomes of practicing Habit 5 is the ability to create win-win situations. Garrett’s team doesn’t just aim to meet sales targets—they strive to create value for their clients. By fully understanding what the client is looking to achieve, they can propose solutions that align with both the client’s goals and the company’s objectives.

This win-win mindset has positioned QCL Leads as a trusted partner in the eyes of their clients. Garrett’s team has earned a reputation for going above and beyond, not just delivering a product or service, but delivering results that make a real difference. This has led to increased client loyalty, repeat business, and referrals, further amplifying the positive impact of Habit 5 on the company’s bottom line.

Garrett offers his team practical advice to help them embrace and excel at Habit 5:

1. Listen with Intent: He emphasizes the importance of listening not just to respond, but to understand. By focusing on the client’s words and emotions, his team can gain deeper insights into their true needs.
2. Ask Meaningful Questions: Garrett encourages asking questions that open up the conversation, helping clients to express what they might not even realize they need.
3. Reflect and Validate: He advises his team to reflect back what they’ve heard to ensure clarity and show the client that their concerns are truly being taken to heart.
4. Focus on Solutions: Once they’ve fully understood the client, Garrett’s team is trained to present solutions that directly address the client’s needs, ensuring a positive outcome for both parties.

At QCL Leads, Garrett’s commitment to Habit 5—Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood?—has been a game-changer. By leading with empathy and understanding, Garrett’s team has not only achieved remarkable sales success but has also built a brand synonymous with trust, integrity, and genuine client care.

?