How to Improve Your Listening Skills

Leadership Skills - Listening

Communication is a two way process. All great leaders are great communicators too. They are all great speakers, as well they are good listeners.

We all have time to talk and we also need time to listen. If you are too enthusiastic about any subject or idea or some thing you want to share with others, you would have experienced that it is difficult to listen. You are eager to talk. Don’t fall in the trap to think you know everything about a subject.

A good leader is always a good learner. He finds something to learn always from any listening, any conversation. A highly effective listener works at listening.
It may not sound easy, but you can work your way to become an excellent listener if you take the following advice:

1. View listening as an opportunity to find out new information or to know more about the person you're talking to.

2. Keep an open mind. Even though you don't agree with the person talking to you, try to see her/his point of view and enrich your own.

3. Focus on the message. Separate content from delivery. Don't distract yourself with the person's appeareance, accent, job title or experience. Avoid distractions.

4. When you listen have a goal in mind. A good listener wants to get something out of the conversation, new information, give a direction, or be empathetic. The conversation has a purpose and the listener knows well.

5. Don't pretend to listen. A good listener knows that 100 percent attention is required to listen well. If you don't have time, then schedule a meeting where you can give full attention to the other person. Be clear and polite in doing so.