Why is listening so difficult? 

"It means moving away from the center of attention and inviting others into that space."

Listening skills often address external techniques:

Eye contact, nodding, leaning forward, asking open ended questions, resisting the need to talk, etc. But in the book, Compassion, the writers (Nouwen, McNeill & Morrison) challenge the attitude and heart of the listener.

"Paying attention to our brothers and sisters in the human family is far from easy. We tend to be so insecure about our self-worth and so much in need of affirmation that it is very hard not to ask attention for ourselves. Before we are fully aware of it, we are speaking about ourselves, referring to our experiences, telling our stories, or turning the subject of conversation toward our own territory... To pay attention to others with the desire to make them the center and to make their interests our own is a real form of self-emptying, since to be able to receive others into our intimate inner space we must be empty."

Sincere listening expands the soul of the listener.
In the mysterious ways of God, this "emptying" is the not only the best way to honor others with sincere listening, it is the best way to fill ourselves with soul expanding love. 

Care ministry is an incubator for healthy growth.

When the people in your care ministry really listen and you urge and train others to listen, you are involved in a transformational work. 

More than just learning caring skills, we need a renewed nature that wants those skills. Lacking in the skills that accompany listening reveals a bigger problem than not listening. As we address the inner problem of our selfish nature and pray that God change us from the inside out we will want to listen better. We will also grow in our relationship with God. We will mature spiritually. We will improve our relationships and gain valuable skills.