Listening Skills in Coaching

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What is hearing?

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Hearing is the physical ability to perceive sound. It's an involuntary act that happens as sound waves hit your eardrums.

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What is listening?

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Listening is an active process of making sense of sounds, understanding, and thoughtfully responding to them. It requires focus and intention.

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Why is the distinction between hearing and listening important in life coaching?

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The distinction is foundational as it significantly impacts the effectiveness of communication. Listening involves active engagement, empathy, and understanding, which are crucial for effective coaching.

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What is peripheral listening?

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Peripheral listening happens when you're aware of your environment but not actively focusing on any particular sound, like hearing background noises while reading.

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What is apparent listening?

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Apparent listening occurs when you hear the words being said but aren’t fully engaged with the speaker, often nodding along without full attention.

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What is active or effective listening?

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Active listening involves being fully present and attentive to what the client is saying, both verbally and non-verbally, showing empathy, and responding thoughtfully.

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Why is active listening important for coaches?

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Active listening fosters a deep, trusting relationship between the coach and the client, allowing for tailored guidance and impactful feedback.

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What is the ICF guideline for listening in coaching?

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The International Coaching Federation suggests that a great coach should spend 70% of the time listening and only 30% talking to ensure a client-centred session.

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How does effective listening benefit clients?

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Effective listening helps clients feel heard, encourages them to explore new solutions, and makes positive changes by acknowledging and validating their feelings.

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What are some tips to improve listening skills in coaching?

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Tips include limiting internal distractions, asking open-ended questions, reflecting back, paying attention to non-verbal cues, avoiding interruptions, practicing mindfulness, using verbal affirmations, and reviewing key points.