If you could improve every dimension of your life by practicing a simple skill that you already have, would you do it?  Here are three areas in which you can improve your life through better listening, followed by some easy techniques to improve your listening.

Listen to yourself to make better decisions. A few years ago I worked with an executive in search of a new position.  After a couple of months of active looking, he had two excellent offers.  He thoroughly researched both organizations and completed his financial due diligence.  He discussed both opportunities with me at length.  Then Jim did something unusual.  He flew to his home state of Colorado, climbed high into the mountains, got quiet and listened to himself.  When he returned, he was completely comfortable with his decision and confident that he was accepting the offer that was right for him.

Listen to your loved ones to strengthen your family. After a few coaching meetings about the value and power of effective listening, a client of mine said his wife noticed the change and deeply appreciated his improved communication.  Similarly, a young man recently told me how much he's enjoying walks with his Dad.  Without the distraction of a television, newspaper or cell phone, they just walk and talk and listen.  With each conversation this husband and wife, this father and son become closer. 

Listen to your clients and prospects to improve your sales. "Double your listening and double your sales," I've heard it said.  How often have you been annoyed by someone who tries to sell you his (or her) products or services without knowing anything about you and your needs?  I can't guarantee you'll double your sales by doubling your listening, but I can tell you that buying requires trust and the larger or more important the purchase, the greater the need for trust.  One of the best ways you can earn the trust of your prospects is to ask good questions and listen.  Three of my clients have recently told me that last year was their best year ever.  Neither they nor I fully attribute their improved sales to better listening, but in each case, improved listening played a significant role in their business development strategy.

With these three excellent reasons to improve your listening, let's look at some simple techniques for better listening:

Acting on what you've heard is a critical step in listening, because it confirms that you've incorporated what you've heard.  You can let your spouse know you've listened with a simple suggestion like, "Let's go to that movie you said you'd like to see on Saturday night."  One of the many ways you can demonstrate listening to your clients and prospects is by working collaboratively to establish project benchmarks and goals, then referring back to those agreed-upon benchmarks and goals during your updates.

Listen up to improve every dimension of your life!