[qup]

Even if you are a person that people like to solicit advice from, you'll find they rarely follow it if it's very different from what they do normally. That makes me a bit reluctant to give much of it.

Listening, though, is a great talent that is very beneficial to yourself. I don't think it's really something you have to become; rather, you can switch it on and off. Focus your attention on them and do not interrupt. Hear what they're saying. If it's emotional, try to read between the lines. Don't make corrections when they're not critically important. Look them in the eyes.

That's probably a good start.