What gets in the way of listening actively? Our own internal chatter – the incessant churn of “what now?” and “what’s next?” The relentless activity that is pervasive in our days, that demands our time and insists upon our attention. The drifting of thoughts to any place that is not fully present.
Listening actively requires us to be better. Better at showing up for people. Better at being in the moment. And better at shelving our own ego to be completely in the service of others.
Every transformative coaching conversation requires deep listening as a bare minimum requirement. It requires us to be fully present for our coachees, and to demonstrate that presence through the use of profound questioning, reflection and paraphrasing. It means listening to understand and illustrating that understanding with empathy and without judgement.
Listening actively is the hallmark of great coaching and must show up. Every. Single. Time.
If you’re ready to be really listened to — to feel seen, heard and understood in a way you may have never been before — and to have that understanding help you become the leader you are meant to be, let’s talk.