Everyone’s got something to say to you and even if you don’t want to hear it, you probably need to suffer through it.  If you’re like most Worried Workers, you might be listening to someone in front of you and to a couple other voices in your head at the same time.

“I wonder if this guy ever flosses.”  “If she would only unbutton just one more button, I could see the tip of her bra.”  “Is that a poppy seed stuck between his teeth, or does he need a dental plan?”  “Dude, your breath smells like a cow shit in your mouth.”

Ok, so we all need to listen better.  But, let’s face it: Being a good listener is not as easy as it sounds. (excuse the poor pun)

We’ve all drifted off into our own thoughts when we’re supposed to be paying attention to what someone else is saying. Maybe it’s because the subject matter is boring or the person is speaking in a monotone; maybe we’re distracted by some personal matter that worries us. Whatever it is, these tips can help improve your listening skills:

1. Listen more than you talk.

2. Stay focused on what the other person is saying—not on what you’re going to say next. Don’t plan a story you want to tell while the person is still talking.

3. Never finish another person’s sentences.

4. Resist the urge to dominate the conversation. (Review tip No. 1.)

5. Give appropriate feedback, but don’t interrupt.

6. Occasionally mirror back short summations of what the other person is saying to keep your mind from moving on to other subjects and to assure the other person that you’ve understood what he or she has been saying.

If all else faces, nod often, smile, and utter “Umm, Oh, and, I see.”