As a leader, how well do you listen? Several barriers can hinder our ability to listen: phone, computer, television, responsibilities, hunger pains, future plans, and so on.

Our minds can wander and we can get distracted.

Leaders have a responsibility to listen. Consider two major types of listening techniques.

Active listening involves observing behavior, body language, tone of voice, and words spoken.

Reflective listening involves a greater focus on specifics of what is said, but with an added twist. One is required to repeat back what was said to confirm understanding.

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