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Listen up, or the boss will notice

In the corporate world, proper listening is a vital skill. You may be sending your coworkers a bad message if you have a hard time listening. Try these tips for truly hearing what people have to say:

1. Maintain eye contact. Try not to look to the floor or away. You should have your focus right on the speaker.

2. Practice patience. Do not interrupt, finish the speaker’s sentence or change the subject.

3. Listen empathetically. Listen to understand and act as if there will be a quiz at the end.

4. Clarify any uncertainties. Make sure you understood what was said by rephrasing what you heard.

5. Keep an open and accepting attitude. Don’t jump to conclusions or make assumptions.

6. Practice pure listening. Concentrate on the message, not the delivery. Remove all distractions and minimize internal and external filters.

7. Turn off your mind. Be with the speaker. Try to see things from his or her perspective.