How to listen better

I am new to managing people ... suddenly I am leading a team 5/6 person. May be it's time to learn few skill of leadership. Here are some of the links:

http://www.ehow.com/how_12503_listen-better.html
http://www.rogerdarlington.co.uk/Listening.html

1. Listen with an open mind and an open heart - free of preconceptions and prejudices.


2. Always look the person in the eye when you are listening. This shows the person that you are paying attention.


3. Give the person your full attention. Be seated.


4. Give visual encouragement to the speaker - such as facing the speaker, offering eye contact, and indulging in mild head nodding.


5. Give oral encouragement to the speaker - such as, in conversation, periodically using words like "yes", "I see", "I understand" or even just sounds like "mmm" or "ah".


6. Don't interrupt. Let the speaker tell the story in his/her own words and at his/her own pace.


7. Don't rush to fill a silence. Often a speaker will be more forthcoming or revealing if he/she is given a chance to compose his/her thoughts.


8. When your partner is finished saying something, ask questions or discuss it further. Open ended questions are better. Don't jump into your own topic.