The art of listening

Do you know how to listen?  I think I do.  I put down my preconceptions about what is right or fair, and I open up to another person's point of view.  I listen not only to their words, but their context.  I repeat what I hear to make sure that I'm getting it.  It's a skill, and as an EA, its darn useful.

Not everyone knows how or when to listen.  Sometimes I forget to listen, too.  It is the most unpleasent experience when I am called upon to observe but have forgotten to listen, because I cannot.  I must either check out and ignore the conversation, or butt in and dominate it.  I have done this at times, and it is frustrating for me, and for everyone else in the room.  I look back on the times when I could not listen and I am not proud of them.

How do I know when I am not listening?  Honestly?  It's when I am talking.