Listening can help you build and strengthen relationships, solve problems, build understanding, resolve conflicts and improve accuracy. The following are seven ways to enhance the art of listening:

1. Give your full attention – When you listen, then simply listen, do nothing else! Look at him/her, even if they don’t look at you.

2. Avoid interrupting the speaker –The habit to interrupt is so ingrained, that we don’t even notice we are doing it. Interrupting the speaker is disrespectful.

3. Refrain from immediate reaction/judgment – Even if you disagree with everything that the speaker says, try to begin your conversation with something you can agree with.

4. Empathize – While we can never truly understand what the other is feeling, we can certainly imagine ourselves in their situation. Empathy is the essence of good listening.

5. Desist from offering unsolicited advice – When listening to someone talk about a problem, refrain from suggesting solutions unless asked. Most people are not seeking advice, but only someone who can listen to them, validate their feelings.

6. Ask questions only to ensure understanding – Don’t ask questions to impress or divert the topic.

7. Give feedback – An ideal conversation includes three primary components, constructive questions, unmistakable clarity on the main points, and sharing to confirm mutual understanding.