our greatest need
Our capacity to draw happiness from aesthetic objects or material goods in fact seems critically dependent on our first satisfying a more important range of emotional or psychological needs, among them the need for understanding, for love, expression and respect.  ~ — Alain De Botton
  I have often reflected on a simple statement offered by Dr. Stephen R. Covey as replied to this question. “Dr. Covey of all that you have taught people of principle centered leadership and in the 7 Habits, if you could emphasize one teaching above all the others what would it be?” “To remember that a persons greatest need is to feel and be understood.”
Understand? 
Kirk Out
April 25th, 2009 at 7:03 pm
Kirk, I love this quote by Dr. Covey (thanks for sharing it). Just last night my wife made a comment about how business leaders (e.g. VPs, CEOs, etc.) have become less inclined to use etiquette in dealing with people who work for them. I agree this problem is increasing.
Leaders have a responsibility to help people feel (and know) that they are understood. It’s not difficult in theory, but in practice…? It shouldn’t be, but unfortunately it too often is. -Michael