What does active listening in coaching involve?

Active listening in coaching is a fundamental skill that enhances the coaching relationship and fosters effective communication. This process involves reflecting, paraphrasing, and summarizing the client's words. By doing so, a coach demonstrates empathy and validation, allowing the client to feel heard and understood. Reflecting involves repeating back key points or emotions expressed by the client, which reinforces their message. Paraphrasing serves to clarify and ensure that the coach has understood the client's message accurately, while summarizing helps to encapsulate the main themes of the conversation, enabling further exploration.

This approach not only strengthens the rapport between the coach and the client but also encourages deeper self-exploration for the client. It creates a supportive space where clients can articulate their thoughts and feelings, leading to greater insight and progress toward their goals.