#142: Understanding ≠ Agreement: The Listening Shift Every Coach Needs Artwork

Coaching the Whole Educator

This podcast helps instructional coaches, teacher leaders, and school leaders improve their educators’ effectiveness and resilience, especially the ones who need it most by focusing on the mindsets and motivations that are at the source of unproductive behaviors. Each week, we’ll cover quick tips, strategies and coaching mindsets so that you can be on top of your coaching game.

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Coaching the Whole Educator

#142: Understanding ≠ Agreement: The Listening Shift Every Coach Needs

June 22, 2025 • Becca Silver • Season 3 • Episode 142

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You don’t have to agree to understand—and in coaching, confusing the two can shut down growth before it starts.

I break down the critical difference between understanding and agreement in coaching and leadership. Pulling from Carl Rogers’ research and real-life coaching moments, we show how validating concerns—without co-signing them—creates space for trust, reflection, and real change.

Because when people feel heard, they stop defending and start growing.

Tune in to learn how to listen with curiosity, not control.

Want to be a better listener? Start with what you're listening for.
Take the Catalyst Mindsets™ Quiz to uncover the mindset gaps that might be blocking progress in your coaching conversations.

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