You will greatly improve the quality of conversations you have if you learn how to listen. You need to learn when to talk, when to stop talking and when to ask questions. It’s also important for you to learn to “understand where another person is coming from” vs. trying to provide an immediate solution.

See the world through the eyes of the person talking and you fine tune your listening skills to uncover this person’s priorities and challenges. It’s also important to listen carefully and closely without interrupting. Your questions should never be self-serving. They should uncover what’s most important to the other person. It’s very difficult to find indviduals who have mastered the art of listening which is one of the most valuable soft skills.

When you practice interviewing, pay special attention to your ability to listen!