BY JUSTIN BARISO, AUTHOR, EQ APPLIED@JUSTINJBARISO

For Inc.

Photo:  Getty Images

I used to think I was a good listener.

I could make conversation with just about anyone. But as my emotional intelligence increased, I realized I was making major mistakes in those conversations–mistakes that prevented me from gaining insight into what others were thinking, or that was hurting my relationships in one way or another.

Could you be making some of these mistakes?

To be a better listener, make sure to do the following five things. (If you enjoy this piece, check out my free seven day course that teaches you how to become more emotionally intelligent.)

Don’t interrupt.

I used to be guilty of interrupting people.

All. the. time.

True listening results in learning. When you interrupt, you cut short the learning experience.

Many people interrupt without even realizing it. (It’s still a challenge to keep myself from doing it.) And it’s especially challenging to resist interrupting when dealing with someone who is disgruntled or negative. You may interpret their words as an attack. But often, they’re simply speaking from a place of frustration.

Resist the urge to fight back. Remember: The minute they stop talking is the minute you stop learning. And that limits the information you have to improve the situation.

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