Listening 101: do you really hear what is being said?
This visual sums up the levels of listening so well. Coaching requires intentional listening. What that means is that you listen without bringing YOU and your experiences into the mix. You listen for what is being said. You note the non-verbal cues. You read between the lines - what is NOT being said.
As a coach, you develop a keen awareness as to when you are not fully present, and you can refocus your attention in the moment. Learning to really listen takes constant work. And as you get better at it, you go from barely waiting until someone is finished speaking so you can add what YOU deem very important input TO being in the moment and actually hearing what someone is telling you - no judgement, no “yeah, that’s how I feel too.”, no “I’ve had that experience and this is what you should do.”
And then it’s about how you can support them. The speaker feels heard and with all the potential distractions in our world, that’s a gift. It’s transformative for the speaker, and you, the listener.
If you want to learn how improved listening skills can benefit you in your personal and work life, set up some time on my calendar.
Visual created by Holiday Phillips and Sylvia Duckworth.