Active Listening
The ability to listen is often confused with the ability to hear. Real listening takes energy, focus and commitment to the speaker. The ability to truly understand what a coachee is saying is invaluable as a coach and can be the difference between positive or negative outcomes.
Technique Overview
Active Listening Definition
Active listening is a skill that encourages us to move beyond simply hearing words that others speak, but to also try to understand their meaning and intent. It turns listening from a passive to an active process. Coaches can demonstrate active listening in many ways, but it is most important to be present in the conversation, demonstrating good eye contact and observing verbal and nonverbal cues. Active listening can include techniques such as paraphrasing and reflection, but it’s crucial that the listening is free of judgement and with a desire to understand rather than respond.
Active Listening Description *
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Business Evidence
Strengths, weaknesses and examples of Active Listening *
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Business Application
Implementation, success factors and measures of Active Listening *
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Professional Tools
Active Listening videos and downloads *
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Further Reading
Active Listening web and print resources *
Active Listening references (4 of up to 20) *
- Bauer, C., & Figl, K. (2008). ‘Active listening’ in written online communication — a case study in a course on ‘soft skills’ for computer scientists. In 2008 38th Annual Frontiers in Education Conference (pp. F2C–1). IEEE
- Bennett, R.T. (2020). The light in the heart: Inspirational thoughts for living your best life
- CCL. (n.d.). Helping Leaders Form Deeper Connections by Building Active Listening & Feedback Skills [Online]. Available at: https://www.ccl.org/client-successes/case-studies/helping-leaders-form-deeper-connections-by-building-active-listening-feedback-skills/ [Accessed 23 Jan. 2023]
- CMI. (2020). The good listener’s checklist [Online]. Available at: https://www.managers.org.uk/knowledge-and-insights/advice/the-good-listeners-checklist
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