How to Coach Yourself and Others How To Perform On The Job Coaching | Page 108
Communication is an exchange between two parties. In teaching, emphasis needs to be placed on
trying to see each point from the learner’s point of view instead of only trying to make him or her
see things your way.
“Seek first to understand, than to be understood. Next to physical survival, the greatest need of a
human being is psychological survival: to be understood, to be affirmed, to be validated and
appreciated. Listening provides this, for it provides ‘psychological air’.”
This is a quote from Covey. Ask trainees what they think Covey means by psychological air.
The answers will be varied. This discussion will lead to a short comment on validation on the next
slide.
val·i·date
1. a :to make legally valid
b : to grant official sanction to by marking
c : to confirm the validity of (an election); also : to declare (a person) elected
2 : to support or corroborate on a sound or authoritative basis synonym see CONFIRM
(Webster’s Dictionary)
Listening
Listening engages the heart of a person. Engage the heart and you can then engage the mind.
When you listen carefully to another person, you validate them. Once the need for validation is met,
others are open to listen to you. It is then you can focus on influencing them or solving problems.
Problem Solving begins with listening.
Good listeners
Review good listener skills in unit 2.
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