How do you use active listening to identify and address potential conflicts or resistance?

Different steps can be taken: First, Showing empathy. Try to understand the speaker's perspective by putting yourself in their shoes. Show empathy through verbal and non-verbal cues, such as saying "I understand" or nodding sympathetically. Second, Validating emotions. Acknowledge the emotions expressed by the speaker without judgment or criticism. Let them know that their feelings are valid and important. Another one can be offering solutions collaboratively: Once you have a clear understanding of both parties' perspectives, work together to find mutually beneficial solutions that address everyone's needs. Remember, active listening requires practice and patience but can significantly improve communication.

This is a skill which we aren't taught like speaking , writing or reading. As new coaches we must develop the skill paying attention to listening. It takes practice and patience to listen so we shouldn't start drumming up a response whilst the other person is talking. Meditation helps to quiet the mind and enhance the focus.

The concept of "active listening", as its name suggests, means to be actively involved in listening and understanding the message that the audience sends to us. In fact, instead of hearing the implied message, all attention should be directed to the speaker. In the skill of active listening, all senses are focused on what is heard and full attention is paid to the speaker's words. Active listening can be conveyed by non-verbal messages. Using eye contact, nodding your head as a sign of approval, smiling, showing companionship or agreement with the speaker's words, as well as saying words such as "yes" or "that's right" can encourage the speaker to continue talking. Active listening skill is one of the most basic interpersonal skills.

Active listening skill involves the provision of sufficient time and safe space to the party intended to receive the support, coaching or mentoring. Participatory approaches (any age group, skill level) yield desired results. Inputs from participants from the get go can be included in the eventual tasks or takeaways from the training encounter. Potential ways of maximizing the results might include: 1. Having an exceptionably inviting environment so that the trainees will freely open up their cognitive channels 2. Asking the trainee a serious of questions including likes and dislikes - gives way to an atmosphere free of conflicts 3. Group work on an abbreviated portfolio-a mini replica which seeks results from the same coaching material

I think 3 Level listening is important too. Especially Level 2 and Level 3 Level 2, which is called Focused listening involves actively paying attention to the speaker's words, tone of voice, and body language. The listener is fully engaged in the conversation and seeks to understand the speaker's message. It requires concentration and effort, but it can lead to a deeper understanding and connection between the speaker and listener. This leads us to cultivate Level 3 listening. This level involves not only listening to the speaker's words but also taking into account their context and background. This level of listening requires empathy and an open mind, but it can lead to greater understanding and appreciation of different perspectives.

Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple, the most valued company, when asked what he has learned the most since he took the coveted position: “I learned very quickly to remember that I had two ears and only one mouth, and to listen very carefully to people that I’m surrounding myself with”. This goes on to say that even the best people need to get better at listening and leverage the power of listening to lead teams via coaching and mentoring. If Tim Cook is saying that he takes listening seriously, why can't we all do the same? Otto Scharmer’s 4 Levels of Listening is a great place to start. Level 1: Downloading Level 2: Factual Listening Level 3: Empathetic Listening Level 4: Generative Listening

Active Listening has been key in my coaching. As a coach trainer, I tell my coach trainees to listen behind the words. We must hear what the coachee says to understand what they truly mean and ask thought-provoking questions to get them to their Aha moment. It is a skill that can truly enhance the coaching experience for the coachee.

When you want to know that you listen actively, compare that energy used for listening. You are on the right side when you use more energy than speaking. When you listen actively, you pay attention to the speaker's words, tone, body language, and emotions. You also ask questions, paraphrase, summarize, and empathize with what they are saying. You show that you are interested and respectful of their perspective, even if you don't agree with it.

Listen with the intention to understand not the intention of answering back. Listen to the end of the sentence of your client, don't start thinking of what you should ask next, while the client is still talking. Suspend any judgment and seek to understand the client within their own context (identity, environment, values, beliefs, experiences, language, perceptions). And then listen to the energy that the client puts in his/her words. explore why are those words more important for them and see where the conversation takes you.