Listening is an underrated skill. And make no mistake, it is a skill. Dan Erwin looks at some researched-based facts about listening in:

Brainware – 10 Things You May Not Know About Listening.

In my experience, it is important to give people your full attention when listening, although this is hard in today's world where there are so many interruptions. I think the people I've worked with know if I want to hear what they have to say I'll take them away from the work place – either to a quiet room, or better still a café.

The other important listening strategy is to put people at ease, then get them to talk about them. Their lives, their feelings and their ideas. I guarantee if you can do this, you'll lean more.