Active Listening: The Skill Every Coach and Leader Needs

Organisations talk a lot, leaders talk a lot but who is actually listening? Active listening is a skill often overlooked as a sign of a good leader. People may even think they are good listeners but are they really actively listening and in turn understanding and connecting?

If you want to build stronger connections and be a better leader in your organisation, then active listening is a skill worth practicing. Keep reading on to find out why it matters and tips to help you get better at active listening.

Why Listening Gets Overlooked

In most organisations, the focus is often on speaking, telling, and getting things done. But when messages get lost or misunderstood, plans can fail. That’s where active listening comes in as it’s the missing link that turns ideas into real action.

What Active Listening Really Looks Like

It’s about being fully present, not just hearing words, instead you are tuning into tone, body language, and what’s left unsaid. Active listening isn’t passive; it’s a skill you build and hone. It means asking instead of assuming, and summarising to make sure you truly understand.

In action, active listening means:

• No multitasking

• No interrupting

• Eye contact and open posture

• Clarifying questions

• Reflecting key points back

It’s how simple conversations become meaningful conversations.

Why It Matters

If people don’t hear or understand the message clearly, things quickly start to go wrong. Active listening helps fix that as it builds trust, opens up real conversations, and makes people feel heard and valued. This skill also helps:

• Spot confusion early

• Make space for real feedback

• Tie big-picture goals to daily work

• Strengthen engagement and trust

• Prevent avoidable friction

Try This: A Simple Listening Exercise

Partner Activity

• Two people sit facing each other.

• One tells a personal story or experience for 2 minutes.

• For the first minute, the listener uses full active listening skills: focused attention, eye contact, no interruptions, affirming body language, and paraphrasing.

• For the second minute, the listener does the opposite: distracted, fidgeting, interrupting, looking away.

Reflect

• How did the storyteller feel in each minute?

• What changed in their tone or flow?

• As the listener, how much did you actually retain or understand?

This exercise shows just how powerful and fragile listening really is. As you practice honing your skills you can use the handy 8 Pillars of Active Listening graphic as a reminder.

Final Thought

Coaching and leadership aren’t just about speaking clearly, they’re about hearing deeply. Active listening builds trust, reveals what’s unsaid, and turns strategy into shared purpose. So next time you’re in a conversation, pause before responding, ask thoughtful questions, and truly listen.

In a noisy world, those who truly listen have the clearest voice.

Check out our article on psychological safety to further enhance your leadership and coaching soft skills.