Insights into the nature and role of listening in the creation of a co-constructive coaching dialogue: A phenomenological study

Abstract

Despite its importance, there seems to be no research into listening in coaching. Of the few texts that explore it, only Cox (2013) presents a theoretical foundation. In contrasting coaching’s constructivist nature with therapy’s reconstructive disposition, Cox suggests that misunderstandings are key, causing coach and client to review their values and assumptions, whereas in therapy, empathic listening aims to minimise misunderstandings. This research explores the interpretive nature of listening in coaching through the experiences of a few coaching partnerships. Challenging client perspectives, by focusing on values, assumptions and emotions appeared pivotal to their experience of being heard.

Keywords

• Listening
• interpretive
• authentic
• empathy
• challenge