Active (Empathic) Listening

1. Active (Empathic) Listening Centralia College Leadership Development Program

2. The Essence of Empathic Listening: “Seek first to understand, then be understood.”—St Francis of Assisi

3. How do we “listen?” • We prepare for our next opportunity to talk

4. How do we “listen?” • We prepare for our next opportunity to talk; • We listen defensively (to counter-punch)

5. How do we “listen?” • We prepare for our next opportunity to talk; • We listen defensively (to counter-punch); • We try to immediately solve the problem

6. How do we “listen?” • We prepare for our next opportunity to talk; • We listen defensively (to counter-punch); • We try to immediately solve the problem; • We listen autobiographically

7. How do we “listen?” • We prepare for our next opportunity to talk; • We listen defensively (to counter-punch); • We try to immediately solve the problem; • We listen autobiographically; • We probe, evaluate, and advise to get a quick result or to meet our own agenda

8. How do we “listen?” • We prepare for our next opportunity to talk; • We listen defensively (to counter-punch); • We try to immediately solve the problem; • We listen autobiographically; • We probe, evaluate, and advise to get a quick result or to meet our own agenda; • We listen to issues but not for “interests.”

9. Have you ever heard…? • “When I was a kid, I got good grades, held a job and played sports.” • When I was a kid, I never….” • “When I was your age, I never…”

10. The Better Way: Active (Empathic) Listening • Listen Intently (“I’m here”) • Empathy with the Speaker (“I understand”) • Summarize Frequently (feelings and content)

11. The Better Way: Active (Empathic) Listening • Listen Intently (“I’m here”) • Empathy with the Speaker (“I understand”) • Summarize Frequently (feelings and content) When people really open up, they often will solve their own problems.