Listens Actively
Focuses on what the client is and is not saying to fully understand what is being communicated in the context of the client systems and to support client self-expression
Description
Active listening is one of the most essential coaching skills. It goes far beyond hearing words—it involves listening for meaning, emotion, values, and what's not being said. An actively listening coach picks up on tone, energy shifts, patterns, and incongruities. They listen for the client's agenda rather than imposing their own. This competency requires setting aside your own judgments, solutions, and need to speak, creating space to deeply understand the client's world. Active listening communicates respect, builds trust, and often helps clients hear themselves more clearly.
Level-Specific Markers
Observable Behaviors
- 1
Pays attention to the client and the client's agenda without imposing the coach's agenda
- 2
Considers the client's context and identity when listening
- 3
Notices, acknowledges, and explores the client's emotions, energy shifts, and non-verbal cues
- 4
Demonstrates curiosity to learn more about the client
- 5
Allows the client to complete speaking without interrupting
- 6
Summarizes, paraphrases, or mirrors back what client communicated to ensure understanding
Development Tips
Practice summarizing and reflecting back what you hear to ensure understanding
Notice when you're formulating responses instead of listening fully
Listen for client values, beliefs, and assumptions underlying their words
Pay attention to shifts in tone, energy, and body language
Ask 'What did I hear?' and 'What might I have missed?' after sessions
Practice distinguishing between facts and interpretations
Record and review your sessions to catch what you missed in the moment
Develop patience to allow clients to fully express themselves
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Interrupting clients before they finish their thoughts
Listening for problems to solve rather than understanding the client's perspective
Jumping to questions without acknowledging what was just shared
Making assumptions about meaning without checking understanding
Missing emotional content while focusing only on words
Failing to notice patterns or inconsistencies over time
Listening through your own filters and biases
Not distinguishing between what the client said and your interpretation
Related Competencies
Sources
Related Learning Resources
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