| This may seem like an odd question. Naturally, you | | | | active listening creates a "safe space" between you |
| need to listen to your client. This is true of any client, | | | | and your coachee, where she can fully express |
| not just a coaching client. | | | | herself without being subject to criticism or judgment. |
| However, when I ask this question in the context of | | | | This way the client can be her true self. She can |
| coaching, I refer not just to the customer service / | | | | freely express her own values and beliefs without |
| sales issue, but rather to listening as the first and | | | | any masks and social pressure. |
| foremost coaching techniques. In fact, if had to | | | | 3. People like to get attention. Like all of us, your |
| dispose of every other coaching tool in my arsenal | | | | client doesn't often get such undivided attention from |
| and keep just one, I would choose listening. And the | | | | anyone. Listening gives the client a positive |
| emphasis is on really listening; actively, consciously | | | | experience that makes him feel good and facilitate |
| listening. Listening that is not a passive state, listening | | | | the coaching process. |
| that is not just hearing sounds as your coachee | | | | 4. I may seam a little odd, but while you are listening |
| speaks, but rather a deliberate action of giving | | | | actively; people tend to think that you are wise. |
| attention. You should listen to your client as if nothing | | | | People definitely tend to perceive you as wiser when |
| else exists in the world, and here is why: | | | | you listen then when you talk a lot. This helps build |
| 1. To coach your client successfully, you need | | | | your position with your client and again, helps to |
| information. The only real source of information about | | | | facilitate the process. |
| your client is your client. By listening, you get the | | | | 5. This may be the most important reason of all. |
| information you need from the best expert around. | | | | When people speak of something to someone that |
| And because you are actively listening, you assimilate | | | | really listens, often their thoughts would rearrange |
| the information you hear. | | | | while they speak, and they get an insight that was |
| 2. Coaching requires that your client be open and | | | | previously obscured. Your client would benefit from |
| authentic. Giving your attention to the client through | | | | your listening even if you are unable to respond! |