1. Spend more time listening: my best friend has a favorite quote that goes "man was created with 2 eyes, 2 ears and 1 mouth. Therefore, we should listen and see twice as much as we speak".
2. Find something interesting in the other person: learn to want to listen. If you actually want to hear what they have to say, you'll be more inclined to listen w/ focus.
3. Stay out of the way (don't create roadblocks):give feedback so they know you're listening, don't give advice unless they ask for it. By the way feedback = eye contact, paraphrasing (repeating the meaning of what the speaker said).
4. Listen to what people mean, not what they say: for example, someone says I'm fine but they look sad and depressed. This is clearly not fine.
5. Take notes at the right times: try mental notes.
6. Assume the proper stance: lean in slightly, make eye contact, set aside distractions, etc.
7: Be aware of your filters: biases, background, anything that might provide room for judgments that could hinder understanding.
