This type of listening is usually needed when we need to make a critical decision about something.

Careful and questioning?

The type of listening that is usually needed when making a critical decision is called "active listening." Active listening is a communication technique that involves fully focusing on, understanding, and responding to the speaker. It requires paying attention to both the verbal and non-verbal cues, such as tone of voice, body language, and facial expressions.

To practice active listening, you can follow these steps:

1. Focus on the speaker: Give your undivided attention to the person speaking. Put away distractions and maintain eye contact to show them that you are actively engaged in the conversation.

2. Avoid interrupting: Allow the speaker to finish their thoughts before responding. Interrupting can hinder the speaker's flow and prevent you from fully understanding their perspective.

3. Show empathy and understanding: Put yourself in the speaker's shoes and try to understand their thoughts, feelings, and motivations. Acknowledge their emotions and provide support when necessary.

4. Repeat and clarify: Paraphrase or summarize what the speaker has said to ensure you are interpreting their message correctly. If something is unclear, ask clarifying questions to deepen your understanding.

5. Control your own biases and assumptions: Be aware of your own biases and judgments that may affect your listening. Try to approach the conversation with an open mind and suspend judgment until you have gathered all the relevant information.

By practicing active listening, you can gather crucial information, fully understand different perspectives, and make more informed decisions when facing critical situations.