Communicate! ...both ways.

The most key ingredient to building relationships, working with people, leading people, even surviving is communication.  Often we discuss our ability to get our point across, to influence others, to get what we need...but we fail too often to discuss the importance of good listening skills.  Our ability to interpret, absorb and understand the meaning of another's communication is essential for the relationship to thrive.  If you feel you are not a good listener, do this: 1. want to...want to listen, to understand, to connect 2. develop an interest, in the other person, their topic, their needs  3.  ignore distractions and put aside personal issues so that you can focus on the other person, their needs, what you can do for them.  Once you can do this, you become a good listener.