In an age dominated by rapid technological advancements and an incessant cacophony of digital chatter, I find myself pondering on whether we are losing the cherished art of listening.

As our lives grow increasingly hectic and interconnected, our ability to genuinely hear and understand one another appears to be waning.  From my perspective, this not only erodes the quality of my relationships but also obstructs my capacity to connect with and empathise with my fellow human beings.

I believe listening is an art, a skill honed through practice, and which requires little or no financial investment. It possesses the potential to transform lives.

I share three simple tips I use to improve my listening abilities:

1. Listen with the intent to understand, not just to respond. As a listener, I always approach each conversation with an open mind and withhold judgement until I fully grasp the message of the speaker;
2. Do not interrupt. I allow the speaker to convey their thoughts before I offer a response; and
3. Embrace active listening. I pose clarifying questions to show my willingness to fully comprehend the speaker’s message.

Using these three steps during my coaching conversations means I enrich the connection with my clients and improves my ability to guide them along the journey to create the business + life to which they truly aspire.