Ep 33: Listening: The Overlooked Superpower in Communication

What if the most transformative skill in leadership, coaching, and relationships isn’t what you say but how deeply you listen? In this episode, co-hosts Rebecca Walker and Diane Williams explore the art and science of truly powerful listening, and why despite its profound impact on trust, thinking, and performance 98% of leaders have never received formal training in how to listen well, a finding highlighted by listening researcher Oscar Trimboli.

Drawing on the work of Oscar Trimboli and Nancy Kline, Rebecca and Diane explore the crucial difference between simply hearing words and offering the kind of attention that helps others think clearly, speak openly, and feel genuinely understood.

Blending practical coaching-room experience with relatable everyday moments including some memorable feedback from Rebecca’s three-year-old, this episode shines a light on common listening habits and how to change them. This conversation is rich with insights and practical tools for anyone who wants to listen more deeply, connect more meaningfully, and lead more powerfully.

Highlights include:

1. Why most of us have never truly learned how to listen (and why it’s critical for leaders)
2. What your body and breathing have to do with better listening
3. Practical strategies for eliminating distractions and modelling listening behaviour even in busy workplaces
4. The impact of interruptions (even “encouraging” ones) on other people’s thinking
5. Time to Think: How Nancy Kline’s approach to turn-taking can transform meetings and teams
6. How to use silence, presence, and curiosity to unlock deeper levels of listening
7. Coaching-tested techniques for giving everyone a voice, including “interruption pads” and the mental “pause button”
8. Ways to listen for what’s unsaid not just what’s said and why this is where the gold is in any team or family dynamic
9. Their favourite self-coaching questions for reflecting on and improving your own listening.

As always, the episode wraps up with self-coaching questions so you can reflect, experiment, and flex your own listening “muscle” at work, at home, and everywhere in between.

Resources:

Time to Think: Listening to Ignite the Human Mind - Nancy Kline

How to Listen - Oscar Trimboli

About Headflex:

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And, if time management is a challenge in your business then drop them a note and ask for details about their Headflex Lunch and Learn sessions. Visit www.headflex.co.uk

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