Taking notes while someone is talking a good way to stay focused. Always thought this was rude but have noticed personally it helps. Pauses can help refocus conversation Don’t fall for the psychological trap defend yourself when getting constructive criticism listen first Being able accept and negative feedback. Surface reason real conversation important decoding issue technical problems. Meeting in right location. Open ended questions instead of yes or no keep going. Listen what's not being said. Not taking words extreme exaggerating what people say.