6 Steps to Become a Good Listener

Are you a good listener? 

According to MindTools, "Poor listeners hear what's being said, but they rarely listen to the whole message." 

As someone who interviews people for a living, I’ve literally made it my business to get the whole message. But at home, I could definitely up my listening game. How about you?

Kate Murphy, author of "You're Not Listening: What You're Missing and Why It Matters" offers help. Take a look.

1. Avoid distractions.
Put your phone on do not disturb and, if you're busy, tell the person at the get-go that you want to talk when you can give your full attention.

2. Ask good open questions.
Be curious instead of looking for agreement.

3. Be an active listener.
It's hard not to cook up your response or next question while the person is speaking, but try to be present. When the person is done with a thought, say it back to them and ask another open question.

4. Don't interrupt.
Fellow-Jersey peeps, you know this one is tough for us.

5. Don't bring the focus onto yourself.
Stay with the person's experience.

6. Practice.
Like meditation, recognize the distraction and bring your attention back to the speaker.

Are you up for honing your listening game? 

Take the quiz  and put your listening cap on!