Harvard Business Review a came up with four main guidelines for improved listening skills based on the superior listeners in their data set.
First, good listeners didn’t stay silent while listening. Instead, they gently asked questions, requesting additional information or clarification.
Second, they built up the speaker’s self-esteem, making sure they felt supported and safe while speaking.
Third, they were cooperative, not combative, searching for common ground instead of treating the conversation like a debate.
Finally, they made suggestions, providing feedback in a way that was viewed as tactful and polite rather than pushy.