What's the difference between hearing and listening?

"If we recognize the fundamental power of listening, we can develop new ways of being with others." Elena Aguilar - The Art of Coaching

When you read the quote above, what does it mean to you? Leave a comment below!

To me, when I read the wise words of Elena I am provoked to think about transformation. When I am in a coaching session or even a great conversation, there has been moments as quick as seconds that have transformed one of us, affecting the way we thought about something.

When speaking with others from all ages and backgrounds, we all have something in common - we want to be seen and we want to be understood. According to the International Coach Federation, the term “listens actively” involves focusing on what the client is and is not saying to fully comprehend what is being communicated in the client systems and support the client’s self-expression.

So, what is being heard? I would love to hear from you! Leave comments below.

The definition of being heard is the faculty of perceiving sounds. If we are going by that definition, can we listen if the faculty of sound doesn't come out?....... I think so. I think we can communicate in several ways. Our body language, or reactions, our words, our movements, our actions or lack there-of.

The purpose of this blog isn't to give you an answer. The title was a question if that was a clue. It's to let you sit in your thoughts about the difference. Maybe you can reflect how you communicate with others and ask yourself, am I hearing or listening to them?

What did you think about this blog? Leave a comment below!