There’s a website called Zen Habits that is very helpful for developing active listening skills (and other things!): Learn to Respond, Not React, Intentional Dialogues. Also see this book: The Zen of Listening. And use your speaking skills to help—for friends and close colleagues, you can literally say: “hey, I made a New Years resolution to become a better listener. I really appreciate your contributions to our conversations, and sometimes I don’t show you that. Please—let me know if I’m interrupting you.”