How to Master the Art of Listening

via @zapier "Wisdom is the reward you get for a lifetime of listening when you'd have preferred to talk", as columnist and editor Doug Larson said. How to Master the Art of Listening Listening is also difficult because when we’re in a conversation, our tendency is to do one of four things, according to The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People author Stephen Covey: Evaluate: You judge what someone is saying and agree or disagree. Probe: You ask questions from your own frame of reference. Advise: You give counsel, advice, and solutions to problems. Interpret: You analyze others' motives and behaviors based on your own experiences. Great listeners share a few important qualities: They ask great questions They pay attention to more than what’s being said They don’t take word-for-word notes They listen with the intent to understand, not the intent to respond They make people feel heard They follow up on what matters Good listening skills can be learned and improved, and there are plenty of opportunities every day to practice. Here are a few things you can do to improve: Practice mindfulness Treat it like a test Mind the gap Try just one day Keep Learning