Of all the skills a coach can develop, none is more fundamental than the ability to listen. While many people assume that coaching is primarily about asking powerful questions or providing valuable insights, these abilities are only effective when they are built upon a foundation of deep listening. A coach who does not truly listen will ask the wrong questions, overlook important information, and miss opportunities to help clients gain meaningful awareness.
Most people believe they are good listeners. In reality, genuine listening is far rarer than we often imagine. During conversations, many individuals are not fully listening at all. Instead, they are preparing responses, forming opinions, evaluating what has been said, or waiting for an opportunity to speak. Even when their intentions are positive, their attention is divided.
Coaching requires a different level of listening. It requires the ability to become fully present and to focus entirely on understanding the client’s perspective. This means setting aside personal agendas, assumptions, and distractions in order to engage with what the client is actually communicating.
