The Integral Role of Active Listening in Transformational Coaching
In transformational coaching, active listening is not just a skill but a core competency that can profoundly influence the effectiveness of the coaching relationship. It involves a high level of attentiveness and responsiveness to the client, enabling the coach to facilitate significant change by understanding and addressing the client's deeper needs and goals. What is Active Listening? Active listening in coaching goes beyond simply hearing words. It involves fully engaging with the client by listening to their words, understanding their tone, observing their body language, and sensing their emotional state. This comprehensive approach allows coaches to grasp not just what is being said but also what is left unsaid or partially expressed. This type of listening requires the coach to be fully present, setting aside their own thoughts and judgments to focus on the client. The coach must also show that they are listening through verbal affirmations and nonverbal cues such as nodding...