Yogi Berra said, "You can see a lot by just looking." Similarly, you can hear a lot by just listening. If there is one skill that will make you better at almost everything, it’s listening. Want to build a better relationship with a client or colleague? Listen. Want to be a better husband or wife? Listen. Here are four keys to better listening skills.
Be genuinely interested. I was seated at a luncheon recently across from a business consultant. He seemed far more interested in his iPhone than me. When I tried to strike up a conversation with him, I actually saw him sigh as he put down his phone. If there were a thought balloon over his head it would have said, "OK. I guess I’ll chat with this guy even if I don’t want to." There are no tips that will help you if you aren’t actually interested in the other person. The author Truman Capote was said to have been interested even in "boring" people. When stuck in a conversation with a bore, he would try to discover what makes the person so boring. That’s the attitude of a great listener.
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