As I look back over last year’s writing, podcast conversations, and coaching work, I’m struck by how often I’ve returned to the theme of listening as a core disposition of effective coaching and leadership.  I find that growth, trust, and collaboration emerge not from the brilliance of what we say, but from the quality of […]

In coaching—whether you’re supporting a teacher, leading a professional learning team, or working with a school leader—listening is foundational. And yet, in the name of productivity, efficiency, or simply staying on schedule, we can too easily slip into haste. Listening with haste can be worse than not listening at all. When you respond to people […]

In coaching—whether you’re supporting a teacher, leading a professional learning team, or working with a school leader—listening is foundational. And yet, in the name of productivity, efficiency, or simply staying on schedule, we can too easily slip into haste. “We nod instead of reflect. We respond instead of inquire. We react instead of understand.” A […]

In moments of disagreement or rising tension, conversations can easily stall or break down. That’s where a verbal skill called “supporting statements” can help. Early in my teacher leadership career, I learned how these statements act as a bridge—keeping the dialogue open and productive. A supporting statement doesn’t necessarily mean agreement; it reflects understanding. It […]

How can coaches’ use of radical listening generate teachers’ reflection and increase a sense of teachers’ empowerment? Examine some of the obstacles to and strategies for radical listening from the work of Dr. Robert Biswas-Diener and Christian Van Nieuwerburgh authors of, “Radical Listening: The Art of True Connection.” As coaches, when we resist the urge […]

In the December Insights from Growth Coaching International, Dr. Robert Biswas-Diener and Christian Van Nieuwerburgh shared the need for stepping beyond active listening to radical listening. They described how active listening, as presented by Carl Rogers in the 70s may be insufficient for coaches today in a world of digital distractions and a sense of […]