How well do we listen? Consider the barriers: phone, email, computer, television, preconceived ideas, responsibilities, hunger pains, future plans, etc. Our minds tend to wander. We get easily distracted when someone else speaks.

Listen leaders. Consider two major listening techniques: active listening and reflective listening.

Active listening involves observing behavior, body language, tone of voice, and words spoken. One must fully concentrate, understand, respond, and remember what was said.

Reflective listening involves a greater focus on the words spoken, but with a twist. One is required to listen and repeat back what was said to confirm understanding.

Imagine the impact on our leadership if we learned to practice both.