This document discusses listening skills and provides tips for effective listening. It notes that listening is an essential leadership skill and almost 45% of our time is spent listening. There are different types of listening like appreciative, empathetic, comprehensive and critical listening. Good listening traits include being non-evaluative, paraphrasing, reflecting implications and hidden feelings, and inviting further contributions. Active listening involves showing keenness, using expressions, being alert, asking questions, and responding non-verbally. Effective listening helps with decision making and avoiding misunderstandings, while poor listening can lead to embarrassing situations. Tips provided include being prepared mentally, evaluating the message not speaker, avoiding distractions and preconceptions, paraphrasing,