When listening to a colleague, try to focus entirely on his or her story rather than reflecting on your own position or experiences. Asking questions and actually taking into consideration their answers is a sure way to understand their story and prove helpful when providing advice.
Act...

It means paying attention to what the other person is saying and not interrupting. It also means asking questions to show that you're interested in what they have to say.

Here are some tips for being a good listener:

• Make eye contact with the person you're talkin...

A good conversation is only possible if you are really listening. Stephen Covey writes that most of us don't listen with the intent to understand; we listen to reply.

Part of the pleasure of better-quality conversations comes from being curious. If you struggle listening t...