You probably consider yourself a good listener. Most people do. You show up, you hear the words, you nod at the right times. And yet, how often are you already forming a response while the other person is still talking? Listening to understand is different than listening to respond. One is about connection. The other is about control.

                                                                                                                             Quote                                                                                                                                                       “Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.”  Stephen R. Covey

Notice what comes up for you when someone shares a problem. Discomfort? Urgency? A need to jump in. None of that is wrong—but awareness gives you choice. Real listening requires restraint. It means setting aside your own thoughts, stories, and opinions—just for a moment—and staying present with what’s being said. It’s not passive. It takes intention and patience.

Today's Coaching Challenge
When you’re listening, are you trying to understand… or trying to fix?

When someone shares something difficult, the urge to fix it can be strong. You want to help. You want to make it better. But sometimes what the other person really needs isn’t advice, it’s space to be fully heard without interruption, judgment, or solutions. When you slow down and truly listen, something shifts. Conversations soften. Defenses drop. And people feel seen—not managed or corrected.

Action to take:
In one conversation this week, practice listening without offering advice unless you’re specifically asked. Just listen—and see what happens.

Always supporting you,                                                                                                                                                                                                  Jan

P.S.  I’ve been working behind the scenes on something meaningful, and I can’t wait to share it with you soon.