Listening is an Essential Skill Set
It is essential to possess superior active listening skills if you are to have the desired effect as a Life Coach. For to be an effective life coach, you must come to know and understand your client very well — what interests him, his ambitions, his strengths, his weaknesses, as well as possible challenges that he may encounter on his chosen path of growth.
In order to uncover what your student, or client, is really all about you must become an active listener. The first step in this process is to discover where you are now. Thus, give yourself the following test to determine what may be lacking for you:
Measuring Your Listening Skills
Have someone that knows you well use the following questions to take stock of your listening skills. Ask him or her to explain any “No” answers. Do not interrupt, or defend yourself during this process.
1. Do I normally look at the speaker while he or she is speaking?
“I hear you. I am listening.”
2. Do I wait for the speaker to finish speaking prior to responding?
3. Do I make understanding my goal?
4. Am I usually sensitive to the speaker’s immediate need?
5. Do I make it a practice to check my emotions?
6. Do I regularly suspend my judgement until I get the entire story?
7. Am I in the habit of summing up what the speaker says at major intervals?
8. Do I ask questions for clarity when necessary?
9. Do I communicate to others that listening is a priority?
Jan Ashby
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