In this dynamic, interactive breakout session, participants will discover how to "flex" their listening habits—moving beyond passive hearing to activate the kind of deep, multidimensional listening that creates breakthrough moments for clients. Drawing directly from ICF Core Competency 6 (Listens Actively) and supporting Competency 5 (Maintains Presence), this session challenges coaches to expand their listening repertoire and develop the agility to adapt their listening approach based on what each unique client needs in the moment. Most coaches believe they're already good listeners. But research shows we process information four times faster than people speak, and our minds naturally wander, judge, or prepare responses rather than truly absorbing what's being communicated. This session will help participants identify their default listening patterns, recognize when those patterns limit coaching effectiveness, and develop the flexibility to shift between different listening modalities—from surface-level content to emotional undertones, from what's being said to what's conspicuously absent, from verbal cues to somatic signals. Through experiential exercises, real-world coaching scenarios, and peer practice, participants will explore: - The neuroscience of listening and why it's harder than we think - Common listening traps that derail coaching conversations (including agenda-driven, defensive, and solution-focused listening) - Techniques for "listening beyond words" to hear values, beliefs, emotions, and systemic influences - How to notice and leverage silence, pauses, and what's not being said - Practical strategies for staying present when coaching conversations become challenging or complex This is not a lecture—it's a working session. Participants will leave with a personalized "Listening Flexibility Assessment" and an actionable 30-day practice plan to strengthen their listening muscles. Whether you're pursuing your first ICF credential or refining your practice, this session will provide immediately applicable techniques to deepen client trust, accelerate insight, and create the clarity that propels meaningful action. Learning Outcomes: By the end of this session, participants will be able to: - Identify their dominant listening patterns and recognize specific situations where these default modes limit coaching effectiveness and client breakthrough - Demonstrate at least three distinct listening modalities (content, emotional, somatic, systemic) and intentionally shift between them during coaching conversations - Apply ICF Competency 6 indicators including considering client context, reflecting back understanding, noticing what's not being said, and responding to the whole person - Recognize and recover from common listening traps such as agenda-driven listening, premature problem-solving, and defensive reactions that compromise coaching presence - Create personalized practice strategies to continuously develop listening flexibility and maintain presence during increasingly complex or emotionally charged coaching conversations