Active listening is a really hard problem, but it can be acquired with practice. We selectively listen with the belief that we already know what the other person is going to say, we want to speak what’s on our mind and we believe in stories that are inline with our own bias.

These beliefs and assumptions inhibits us from truly listening to the other person. It requires going beyond words to non verbal cues — body language, expression, tone etc.

It’s hard no doubt, but essential to effective leadership, just like you said.