Often I am told that I am a good listener

That I 'actively' Listen and Ask powerful questions.

I am told that they value the

  1. Way their agenda is attended, and NOT what I THINK they should do, be, or think
  2. Way their concerns, goals, values and beliefs about what is and is not possible is heard,
  3. Way they are encouraged to accept, explore and reinforce their truth, their expression of feelings, perceptions, concerns, beliefs...
  4. Way I integrate and build on their ideas and suggestions,
  5. Way I help them to get there rather than engaging in long descriptive stories,
  6. Way they are urged to vent their situation and "clear" the air of deep seated emotion.

I am told that they value

  1. How the question I ask reflects how I actively listen and understand their perspective,
  2. How my questions evoke unexpected discovery, insight, commitment or action
  3. How my questions create greater clarity, possibility or new learning
  4. How my questions moved them towards what they truly desire, not just tell them what they already know or what they want to hear
TO WHAT EXTENT is someone who Actively Listens and asks Powerful Questions IMPORTANT?