In general, communication skills have been hampered by today's high-tech, high-stress environment, and we spend even less time listening to each other. Active listening helps to build trust, establish mutual respect, build relationships, ensure understanding, and solve problems. When we don't put in the effort to learn how to communicate properly, we're stifling our growth, both personally and professionally. Communication gaps occur when the person who is listening doesn't understand the message the same way the speaker intended it to be understood.