Becoming ‘Deep, true Listeners’

Listening is one of those life things that we simply take for granted that it is something that we do naturally and that, as professionals in the learning or/and the caring world we also do really well. All too often it is forgotten that listening, by which we mean true listening is actually a high level skill. And, like any skill it requires training, reflection and practice to keep that critical skill at the highest level.

Many of our children are still experiencing difficulties that are hangovers from the pandemic and from lockdown. They need to tell their stories to people they can trust will listen and listen well, not making judgements but allowing them to process their feelings and emotions. Helping young people to be in the right place for learning will continue to be critical. Many staff will be in similar circumstances.

But the need goes much further. Worries and anxieties around the escalating cost of living are bound to impact on wellbeing and inevitably also on performance in many cases. Having leaders, managers and staff with deep, empathic listening skills will enable schools to deal with these issues in a way that is not only compassionate but also far more effective and ensuring accountability as well as empowerment.

This half day training with the option of a 2 hour follow up, will prepare your leaders and staff with the essential qualities and techniques to become Deep, true Listeners.

“We thoroughly enjoyed the relaxed and perceptive presentation. We were purposefully led through strategies for effective listening and how best we can further strengthen our team through cultivating curiosity, reining in our own assumptions, and taming our ‘advice monsters!’” 

Mal Saunders, Herne CoE Junior School

“Thank you so much for the training, it was very well received. I have had very positive feedback from my team and we are already using the tools. I will highly recommend this programme.”                                                                                        

 Tracy Kent, Downs View Infant School

Participants are asked to undertake three activities specifically designed for this programme and to make a few notes reflecting on their experiences and thoughts

1. Introductions, session aims and outline plus ground rules
2. Discussion in pairs with plenary feedback: share learning from pre-course activity; identify keyqualities foreffective listening and understand why listening is important
3. Exploration of key models and strategies: removingbarriers to listening; a practical framework for effective listening conversations; using courageous silence; taming your Advice Monster!
4. Listening skills practice with plenary learning review: please note this is not role-play!
5. The next steps: links with school improvement and developing a whole school listening culture
6. Being your own listening coach: listening as a developmental practice; holding self-criticism in check
7. Conclusion

Please contact us for further details