3 levels of listening and how to become a better Listener

Listening is a fundamental aspect of coaching, and it is essential for building trust and rapport with clients. There are three levels of listening in coaching: selective, attentive, and empathetic. Understanding and practicing these levels can help coaches to develop more effective listening skills and create a supportive and collaborative coaching relationship with their clients.

Selective Listening: Selective listening is when a coach focuses on specific aspects of what the client is saying, without truly understanding the underlying message. For example, a coach may focus on specific keywords or topics, without considering the client's emotions or context. This type of listening is often surface-level and can result in a lack of understanding and empathy.

Attentive Listening: Attentive listening is when a coach actively listens to what the client is saying and demonstrates an interest in their story. This level of listening requires the coach to put aside their own thoughts and opinions, and to focus solely on the client's words and emotions. Attentive listening can help to build trust and rapport with the client and can provide valuable insights into their thoughts and feelings.

Empathetic Listening: Empathetic listening is the highest level of listening in coaching, and it involves the coach not only hearing what the client is saying but also understanding and feeling what they are saying. This level of listening requires the coach to be fully present, to put themselves in the client's shoes, and to understand their perspective. Empathetic listening can help to create a deep and meaningful coaching relationship, as the coach is able to connect with the client on an emotional level.

Achieving a Desired Level of Listening

Practice Active Listening: To achieve the desired level of listening, coaches need to practice active listening, which involves paying attention to the client's words, tone, and body language.

Be Present: Being fully present and focused on the client is essential for effective listening. Coaches need to put aside their own thoughts and opinions, and to focus solely on the client's needs and experiences.

Develop Empathy: Empathy is a crucial component of empathetic listening, and it involves understanding and feeling what the client is saying. To develop empathy, coaches need to practice perspective-taking and to understand the client's emotions and motivations.

Be Non-Judgmental: Listening effectively requires coaches to be non-judgmental and to provide a safe and supportive space for the client to express themselves. By avoiding judgment, coaches can create a trusting and collaborative relationship with their clients.

Wrap Up

In conclusion, effective listening is a crucial aspect of coaching, and there are three levels of listening in coaching: selective, attentive, and empathetic. By practicing active listening, being present, developing empathy, and being non-judgmental, coaches can achieve the desired level of listening and create a supportive and collaborative coaching relationship with their clients.