Listening might be the most important interpersonal skill. All of the other skills will be either enhanced or diminished by our listening skills. The fact that many of us listen poorly makes the skill even more valuable. Great listeners are like Unicorns, rare and cherished.

“First seek to understand, then be understood.”
– Stephen Covey

Signs that you should improve your listening skills:

• You regularly interrupt others when they’re speaking. Interrupting is almost never a good idea.
• You finish people’s sentences for them. Even if your prediction is correct, they might not appreciate it.
• You start talking as soon as there is a pause. Are you listening or waiting for you chance to speak?
• You have a response ready before the other person finishes their thought. Are you responding or reacting?

Like other skills, deliberate practice is the key to improvement. How often do you practice listening?