Mentoring Future Leaders

Mentoring Future Leaders
Active Listening and
Effective Responding
What the experts say about listening:
© Learning Link International
April 2005
“It is the province of knowledge to speak
and it is the privilege of wisdom to listen.”
(Oliver Wendell Holmes)
“Good listening is the key to skilful communication.
It is one of the most priceless gifts we can offer other people.
When a person feels listened to they feel accepted, valued,
respected, heard and understood.”
(Sutton, 1998, p.126)
“To be listened to is a striking experience – partly because it is so
rare. When another person is totally with you, leaning in,
interested in every word, eager to empathize, you feel known and
understood. People get bigger when they know they’re listened
to; they have more presence. They feel safer and more secure,
as well, and can begin to trust. It is why listening is so important
to coaching …”
(Whitworth, et al, 1998, p. 31).
Module 4 - Mentoring Skills Page ! 1