The Essentials of Compassionate Listening

When a pupil or colleague finally tells you what's wrong, the pull is to fix it. Usually that isn't what they came for. Think of the last time you rang someone after a bad day: you probably wanted to be heard, not advised.

This course gives you five simple habits for compassionate listening, from asking open questions to saying back what you've heard so the other person can check it or put it right. You'll get phrases for when the words are hard to find, such as "I'm really glad you told me". And you'll have ways round the usual barriers: no time, too many distractions, or the fear that you'll be out of your depth.

Five minutes of your full attention can do more than 20 distracted ones. You'll know how to give it, and when to find someone else who can help.