343 - Empathy and Listening: The Dynamic Duo for Better Communication
Mastering Deep Listening: Transforming Relationships with Emily Kasriel on Listening with Leaders
In a recent episode of Listening with Leaders, Doug Noll sat down with Emily Kasriel, author of Deep Listening, to discuss the transformative power of listening, both in personal and professional relationships. Emily, a former BBC journalist and a passionate advocate for the art of listening, shares her expertise on how deep listening can be used to foster empathy, resolve conflicts, and create stronger connections in any leadership role. The episode delves into Emily’s eight-step methodology for deep listening, providing actionable advice on integrating this practice into everyday leadership.
Deep Listening as a Leadership Superpower
Emily Kasriel’s philosophy on deep listening goes beyond just hearing words—it’s about creating an environment where people feel truly seen and heard. Unlike surface-level listening, where people focus on preparing their responses or defending their stance, deep listening requires intentionality and empathy. Emily’s approach can be a game-changer for leaders looking to build trust, resolve conflicts, and foster genuine understanding within their teams.
One of the central themes of the conversation is Emily’s belief that deep listening can radically transform leadership. She explains that the best leaders are those who actively listen to their teams, understand their needs, and create a safe space for open dialogue. Leaders who embrace deep listening set themselves apart by building relationships rooted in trust and empathy, rather than authority and control.
Emily’s methodology, outlined in her book Deep Listening, is structured around eight practical steps that anyone can apply to improve their listening skills and, by extension, their leadership abilities. The steps range from creating a psychologically safe space for conversation to practicing active listening and reflecting back the feelings of others to demonstrate understanding. These steps are designed to help leaders foster a culture of openness, respect, and collaboration in their organizations.
About Emily Kasriel
Emily Kasriel is the author of Deep Listening and a seasoned expert in communication and conflict resolution. With a background in journalism and academia, Emily has dedicated her career to helping people develop the skill of deep listening to enhance personal and professional relationships. She is passionate about the transformative potential of listening as a tool for building empathy and resolving conflicts.
About Maxwell Leadership
Maxwell Leadership is a global leadership organization that provides coaching, resources, and training to individuals and organizations aiming to develop and empower leaders. Led by John C. Maxwell, the organization offers expertise in leadership principles that foster growth, engagement, and sustainable success.
Links Mentioned in This Episode:
Key Episode Highlights:
Deep Listening as a Leadership Tool: Emily shares how listening deeply can be a powerful tool for leaders, enabling them to build trust, resolve conflicts, and create deeper connections.
Creating Psychological Safety: One of the key steps in Emily’s methodology is creating a space where others feel psychologically safe, making them more likely to open up and share.
The Power of Reflection: Reflecting back emotions and words to the speaker can help them feel truly heard, fostering trust and understanding.
Empathy Over Agreement: Emily explains that listening doesn’t mean agreeing with someone’s perspective; it’s about understanding and validating their feelings.
Practical Tips for Improving Listening Skills: From minimizing distractions to asking open-ended questions, Emily offers actionable advice for improving listening skills in everyday leadership.
Conclusion
Emily Kasriel’s insights into deep listening offer leaders a roadmap to create more authentic, empathetic, and effective relationships with their teams. By practicing the eight steps outlined in her book, leaders can foster an environment of collaboration and growth, driving success both for themselves and their organizations.
Explore more leadership resources at Doug Noll's website.
Interested in sharing your leadership insights? Apply to be a guest on Listening with Leaders here.
