1. Focus on the person talking.
2. Do not allow others to distract you.
3. Have a pen and pad at your disposal.
4. Repeat the instructions.
5. Make sure you have recorded all the names, times and instructions.
Listening
Being a good listener is one of the best ways to be a good communicator. No one likes communicating with someone who only cares about putting in her two cents, and does not take the time to listen to the other person. If you're not a good listener, it's going to be hard to comprehend what you're being asked to do.
Take the time to practice active listening. Active listening involves paying close attention to what the other person is saying, asking clarifying questions, and rephrasing what the person says to ensure understanding ("So, what you're saying is…"). Through active listening, you can better understand what the other person is trying to say, and can respond appropriately.
No one likes to repeat instructions!
Active Listener