Listening is one of the most important skills you can have when it comes to business and leadership.

We listen to learn.

We listen to stay informed.

We listen to understand.

We listen to gain information.

We listen to acquire knowledge.

We listen to obtain wisdom.

Given all the listening we do, you would think we would be much better at it.

In fact most of us are lousy listeners; research suggests that we remember only 25 to 50 percent of what we hear.

So when your boss, colleague, customer or spouse is talking to you, you are only truly hearing half of what they are saying–at most.

Being a good listener has significant benefits. It helps build critical relationships with clients, bond with customers, and engage with employees.