Are You Actually a Good Listener?
Everyone thinks they're a good listener. Almost no one is. Seven honest questions about your listening habits — with fixes for each one.
What you’ll learn
What makes someone a good listener?
Good listeners give full attention, resist interrupting, and reflect back what they hear before responding. They ask follow-up questions, tolerate silence, and validate feelings before offering advice. Listening is a skill, not a personality trait — it improves measurably with practice.
Why do I interrupt people?
Interrupting usually comes from enthusiasm, anxiety, or the urge to fix things — not rudeness. Your brain races ahead to your response instead of staying with the speaker. The fix: silently summarize what they're saying as they talk, and wait one beat after they pause.
Should I give advice or just listen?
Listen first, advise only if asked. Most people venting want to feel heard, not fixed — unsolicited advice can feel dismissive. A reliable rule: reflect and validate for the first few minutes, then ask whether they want your thoughts or just your ears.
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