The following is from "180 Ways to Walk the Leadership Talk" by John Baldoni

Of all the leadership attributes, listening may be the most important. Listening may be the most important. (Which begs the question: To whom am I listening.)

Listening opens the door to genuine, real authentic communication.

Not only are we to listen, but we must also learn from it.

7 Tips for Listening More Effectively…
1. Know the difference between hearing and listening. To hear means ‘to perceive by the ear.’ To listen means ‘to pay attention.’ There’s a big difference!
2. Get into the ACT of listening. Employ body language. Look at the person who is speaking. Make and keep eye contact. Position your body in a way that shows you are open and receptive to what the person is saying.
3. Adopt the 2/1 Rule: Listen twice as much as you talk. 2 ears, 1 mouth.
4. Play the ‘concentration game.’ Focus on what the speaker is saying. Try not to jump to conclusions before the speaker is finished talking. Pretend that you will be tested on what the speaker says. Make mental notes (or take written notes) on what is said.
5. While listening, ask questions as a way of demonstrating interest as well as soliciting more information (e.g., ‘Can you tell me more about…?’). Or, use questions as summaries (e.g., ‘Let me see if I understand…. Is that correct?’).
6. Welcome ideas that are NOT your own. Be open to what others have to say without getting defensive. Make it okay for others to share their ideas – even if those ideas conflict with yours.
7. Practice the ‘All-Sides Rule.’ Listen to all sides of an issue before making a final decision. The more you learn about a situation, the better prepared you’ll be to act fairly and appropriately.