Seek to understand then to be understood.

This is not only good in management it's a good life practice. It means asking probing questions, repeating back what you hear, and re-stating what the person is telling you until you gain full understanding. Misunderstandings may be good to propel a plot in a movie but they only cause damage elsewhere.

Listen. How many times has someone come in your office to discuss something and found you inattentive? By this I mean, that you're typing on the keyboard, looking at caller id, or glancing at people walking by instead of fully listening. Those are tough habits to break but providing focused, attentive listening is one of the great gifts you can give as a manager.