Is there anything better than knowing—not just believing, but knowing in your bones—that someone is truly listening to you, that they’re “getting it”?  You feel a deep connection to the person.  He or she understands you and your ideas, and because of this, you’re more likely to respect each other and work together well.

But listening doesn’t get enough respect.  Ask any ten people, “What’s the definition of communication?” and more than half will say, “To get your point across” or “To convince someone of something.”  True, but impossible without Active Listening.

Tune in

When you listen, you get results:  tough conversations move forward, the sale closes, people get behind your ideas and push hard, and relationships, well, they just work better.

For all these reasons, Active Listening may be the most important of the Breakthrough Skills.  It’s much more than the passive act of being within earshot of someone who’s talking.  Active Listening is engaged and energetic.  When you listen actively, everything about you—from your body language to your encouraging words—says, “I’m interested in what you have to say.”

Use the resources below to strengthen this critical Breakthrough Skill, and watch your effectiveness soar to new heights.