Here is an exercise for improving your listening. This week, engage in active listening with the people you interact. Show interest in what you are being told. Let speakers know that you heard them by maintaining eye contact, putting e-devices away, and giving nonverbal communications like nodding "yes", "hmm." Try not to interrupt (unless it is to clarify your conversation). Avoid the temptation to do things that might not really include listening, such as giving advice (unless they have asked for it), console them (unless that seems what they need), focusing on you ("I had a bad day too"), or being dismissive ("That's not a big deal."). After hearing your partner say several things, you might try rephrasing what they said, just to be sure that you truly understood. You can also try open-questions such as, "How did you manage that?" to keep them talking. Now the writing assignment... 1. Describe two situations (no names necessary) in which you practiced active listening this week. How did you feel when you were listening? How did the speakers react? Do you think you more deeply understood what the speakers meant when you listened actively versus other times when you might not be listening as actively? 2. What was the most difficult part of this exercise for you? 3. As a leader, what conclusions can you draw from this exercise regarding listening skills