Are you fully listening to what the other person is saying? Are you getting distracted by your thoughts or what you need to say next, causing you to miss their words? Is your body oriented towards them? Are you expressing that you are listening well, with nods, eye contact, and smiles? Do you clarify when you don’t fully understand their words, instead of just moving on?

These questions are not just for leaders. They are essential in relationships between spouses, parents and children, siblings, teachers and students, friends, lovers, and colleagues. Active listening is a fundamental principle in any relationship. When it is not practiced, misunderstandings, biases, conflicts, and divisions arise. Try applying these questions to the people right in front of you now.