There is so much to hear when working with a coachee, and the list provided identifies 100 of the
most important things to listen for.

1. Dissonance or Confusion

2. Desire or Readiness

Words don’t match actions

Excitement

Tone of voice doesn’t match words

Willingness

BS

Eagerness to start

Inability to identify or share feelings

Flowing of ideas

No or slow progress

Self-motivating

Easy steps not taken

Exciting dreams

Resistance to support

Fantasies

Reliance on clichés, jargon

Performs faster than expected

Attracts continual problems

Serendipity

Playing dumb or dependent

Synchronicity

3. Resources or Assets

4. Fears or Doubts

Inner strength

Sharp intake of breath

Unknown skills or talents

Stopped breathing

Size or power of network

Too many questions

Past experience or expertise

Saying yes but meaning no

Resourcefulness

Talking slowly

Specialized knowledge

Procrastination

Special way of thinking

Nervousness in voice

Communication or selling skills

Pulling away from coach

Strong reputation

Diversions away from goal

Bandwidth or capacity

Changing of subject

Listen For: 100 Things
a Coach Listens For
and Hears

Copyright © 2005 by Coach U. Inc. www.coachu.com.

5. Developmental Level

6. Coach’s Reactions

Strength of personal foundation

Frustration or grrr factor

Knowledge of attraction principles

Resentment or anger

Personal maturity or self-responsibility

Funny feeling in stomach

Flexibility

Envy

Response time to unexpected problems

Strong desire to help

High standards

Strong desire to protect

Strong character

Confusion

Adequate reserves

Holding back

Ability to think conceptually

Pushing the coachee

Type of emotional reactions

Resignation

7. Personal Qualities

8. Quality of Relationships

Honesty

Children

Honor

Spouse

Responsibility

Parents or family

Respectfulness

Friends

Accountability

Acquaintances or neighbors

Generosity

Coworkers or colleagues

Maturity

Vendors or service

Initiative

Mentors or teachers

Caring

Clients or customers

Strength

Yourself

Copyright © 2005 by Coach U. Inc. www.coachu.com.

9. Quality of Life

10. Mind and Intellect

Tolerations

Quickness

Self-care

Intuitive ability

Commitments

Type of learner

Goals

Opinions about things

Problems or struggles

General knowledge

Work environment

Set of beliefs

Home environment

Expectations about life

Stress

Reactions to life

Desires or needs

Ability to process logically

Pace

Cultural restrictions or blocks

Copyright © 2005 by Coach U. Inc. www.coachu.com.