Develop Better Listening Skills by Mastering The Three Levels
The three levels of listening and how to bring them into your daily life.
Most of us have heard about the difference between active listening and passive listening, but did you know that it’s even more nuanced than that? As both a consultant and a coach, I was taught the three levels of listening.
It might sound a bit more complicated, but in reality having three distinctions in mind can help to inform us on exactly how we’re listening. Having three clear levels can also empower us to more deliberately choose which level we want to use. This is important because science tells us that our brain defaults to making assumptions and listening at a superficial level.
Do you or someone you know struggle with paying attention and actively listening? Maybe the conversation quickly becomes “me” focused or centered on problem-solving. Maybe all you need to do is listen a bit differently.
The Three Levels of Listening
Listening can mean a number of things beyond noticing what someone else is saying. It can mean hearing, understanding, empathizing, even supporting. “Listen” comes from an Old English word meaning “to pay attention to.” It’s a beautiful entry point into the three levels…
