Reflective listening by summarizing or paraphrasing has worked for me at times. It is true, listening and then showing the speaker you understand or are attempting to understand clearly is vital to open communication.

While we may lean one way or another regarding our preferred learning style, I recognize the importance of creating experiences that speak to the variability of learners we may encounter as well as increasing our personal capacities to learn in the areas we are weakest.

Self-awareness is a critical component of any leader's toolkit. Before we can lead others confidently and completely, we must successfully lead ourselves first.