Stephen Burt “The art of listening in coaching and mentoring” (2019)
This book is essential reading for anyone who coaches, and is also very useful for anyone working in a context in which listening to others is important. If you want to become a better listener in any situation, you will find this book helpful. The book goes far beyond the basics of active listening. It explores the importance of listening, how effective listening impacts both the speaker and the listener, and unpacks some of the components of good listening (drawing on a range of theories and approaches). Burt suggests four main components of listening: attention, inquiry, observation and resonance, and explains how these four interact to create an environment in which good listening is possible. Importantly, it also provides practical advice about how to evaluate and improve your practice as a listener. This is honestly one of the best books about listening that I have read! I can’t recommend it highly enough.
