Listen "Radical Listening - The Art of True Connection with Professor Christian van Nieuwerburgh"
Episode Synopsis
Christian reveals a game-changing insight most people overlook: every time we listen, we bring an intention. Maybe to fix something. Maybe to understand. Maybe just to connect. But unless our intention matches what the other person actually needs, we miss the moment.We can be kind, empathetic - and still leave them feeling unheard.Drawing from his book (written with psychologist Robert Biswas-Diener), Christian introduces six distinct listening intentions - learning, understanding, solving, appreciating, connecting, influencing - and shows how choosing the right one can transform relationships, trust, and connection.This isn’t just theory. Fiona and Christian share honest stories about when they got it wrong - and what it taught them about emotional intelligence, ego, and psychological safety. From leaders in the workplace to partners at home to fleeting interactions with strangers, this episode makes a bold claim:Radical listening - when done with the right intention - is one of the most powerful relational tools we have.And one of the most underused.Whether you’re leading a team, raising a family, or just trying to build better connections in a noisy world, this conversation offers something rare:A framework for listening that doesn’t just improve communication - it changes the way we are with others.For more from Fiona go to:www.fionamurden.comChristian's book is out March 25 2025 For more from Christian go to www.coachonmotorcycle.com Practical Take-Aways from the Podcast on Radical Listening:Matching Listening Intentions:Before conversations, pause and consider: What does the other person want from this interaction?Acknowledgement Techniques:Look for strengths in the other personHighlight things you admire about themQuieting Inner Dialogue:Notice internal thoughts that might distract from listeningFocus fully on the other personMinimize interrupting or thinking about your responsePractical Listening ExperimentsListen to appreciate someoneAsk "How can I be most helpful in this conversation?"Track the impact: How good did the interaction feel? (1-10 scale)Connection StrategiesGenuinely ask "How are you?" in everyday interactionsLook people in the eyeShow real interest in their responsesBe open and curiousRelationship InvestmentPractice listening as a way of building future relationship networksInvest time in quality interactions
For more on Fiona visit www.fionamurden.com
For more on Fiona visit www.fionamurden.com
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