10 Soft Skills You Need – Module 10: Ability to Learn from – Listen with an Open Mind

Listen with an open mind. Your active skills come in very handy when you’re learning to accept and learn from criticism. It is tempting to defend ourselves when we receive criticism, but it is vital to resist this. When someone offers you feedback or criticism, listen with an open mind. You may not agree with all or any of what he or she has to say, but it is important to hear the person out. Reflect back what you understand the person to have said and check for understanding. Answer any questions non-defensively and do not interrupt. Listen to understand, not to respond.