Coaching Vs.Conversation
Wednesday, November 15 2006The secret of good coaching is good listening. Like most skills, good listening takes time to master. It also takes some schooling and practise. And continual vigilence.
As a coach, I have to police myself to ensure that my listening skills are constantly tip-top. One of the vital services I can offer a client is that of being "heard."
When I work in organisations, the single biggest complaint I hear is - they don't listen.
In the same breath, people often add that they don't always want something "fixing" or they accept the person can't do anything, but still - they want to be heard.
The connection between being listened to and being valued is implicit.
In my opinion, this is the single biggest difference between Coaching, and having a Conversation. In coach training, they call this type of listening, Level 2 Listening. Level 1 Listening is everyday banter, conversation. The problem with conversation comes when one person really wants to be heard. They are longing for Level 2 listening, but their listener isn't aware of this, or able to give it.
Don't take my word for it. Eavesdrop on a few conversations, at work, in a restaurant, on the bus, and you'll soon hear what I mean – people all over the country not being heard. Needless to say, the world would be a much better place if we could all grasp the art and importance of Level 2 listening!
I'm running a new Coaching Masterclass in which this skill and many others will be addressed. I ran this a few months ago and it was a fabulous day and a really popular workshop. The workshop on Sunday, 10th December will be along similar lines, but with some changes and additions, so feel free to come along even if you did this before.
The day is aimed at equipping you with the fundamentals of coaching, specific techniques and tips that you can instantly use with people in your home life and work life.
Whether you are a coach, training to coach or simply want a more sophisticated level of communication in your relationships, come along! Once you've registered, which you can do online here, email me with a brief description of what you'd like from the day, fiona@fionaharrold.com
This is also a workshop that works brilliantly in the work place. If you would like to talk to me about this possibility, do email me.
