Improving listening skills is not a project or a journey. It is both. One needs to be conscious and deliberate about listening , and make it a priority -- not easy to do in a world where multitasking carries a badge of honor. During the second half of the author's career, working as a consultant, he learned early on the value of listening . Consultants sometimes enter hospital or physician practice engagements in which they are told that few people will want to be interviewed. Because other consultants have worked there previously, the CEO or CFO believes that management and staff are fatigued from such exercises. In reality, the opposite often happens. Healthcare finance executives can take practical steps to enhance their listening skills in many areas of activity, including decision making, networking, and attending education seminars. In addition to improving listening skills , CFOs need to appreciate the experience and challenges others face within their organizations.