I am listening

"I don’t care how much you know until I know how much you care."

Listening is not enough.You must convince your counterpart you are listening. No matter how much attention you are paying.

Listening is far more than capturing information. Listening demonstrates curiosity, respect and care. It establishes a constructive environment where you can address the issue together.

Always prove to your counterpart that you are truly listening:

1. Listen. Unless you really listen, you are lying. 

2. Focus. Look at him. Don´t do anything else. 

3. Be quiet. Let him finish. Don’t interrupt. 

4. Encourage. Nod, respond, hmm. 

5. Summarize. Play back his essential point.  

6. Check. Ask him if you got his point, and let him correct you. 

7. Validate. Acknowledge that he has a point.  

8. Inquire. Ask him what he would like from you.