“One of the greatest gifts you can give someone is to be present: to see them and to hear them. This book shows you how.”
-Michael Bungay Stanier, bestselling author of The Coaching Habit
Radical Listening
THE ART OF TRUE CONNECTION
By Christian van Nieuwerburgh
and Robert Biswas-Diener
Available at any of these Shops
About the Book
Unlock the transformative power of Radical Listening—a profound practice that moves beyond simply hearing words to actively co-creating meaning. Leading experts in Positive Psychology coaching outline six unique competencies that go beyond “active listening skills” to create deep understanding and connection.
In our distracted, divisive world, the transformative power of true listening has never been more essential. Radical Listening is a revolutionary guide to mastering this vital skill from renowned experts Christian van Nieuwerburgh and Robert Biswas-Diener. Moving beyond simply hearing words, their groundbreaking framework teaches you to actively co-create meaning and connection. Though we spend nearly three hours a day on the receiving end of communication, listening is frequently neglected. We’re bombarded by data, digital distractions, and a culture that celebrates talkers over listeners. Radical Listening provides the antidote, equipping you with six core competencies:
• Noticing
• Quieting
• Accepting
• Acknowledging
• Questioning
• Interjecting
Whether you are seeking to improve your leadership, foster more collaborative teamwork, or simply connect more meaningfully with others, Radical Listening offers a powerful remedy. Allow this book to reshape how you experience the world and those around you through the revelatory act of listening fully.
Paperback | $27.95
Published by Berrett-Koehler Publishers
Mar 25, 2025 | 208 Pages | 6 x 9 | ISBN 9781523007196
Praise for Radical Listening
“Although I’ve done several coaching courses, all involving the importance of listening, Christian and Robert gave me new and useful distinctions and practices. I found myself cringing in recognition at times – “Ack! I do that” – and then resolving to do better. If you’re a leader, a parent, a coach, or a well- intentioned friend: there is a lot to learn here.”
Tracy Hutton, VP of Global Learning, Leadership, and Talent Activation at Lululemon
“In this time when we desperately want to connect with people but don’t feel our words are heard or valued, we all need to embody the teaching in Radical Listening. The energy you convey when you listen this deeply will engage others to open up to you. You will have more meaningful conversations and satisfying interactions. This book is a much-needed gift to humanity.”
Marcia Reynolds, PsyD, author of Breakthrough Coaching and Coach the Person, Not the Problem
Radical Listening unlocks an entirely new level in the game for the workplace and the world at large. Robert and Christian have mapped an entirely new archetype, with their insights grounded in cross-cultural storytelling and garnished with humor. At a time when the world desperately needs more and better listeners, Radical Listening decodes a profound new way to find meaning when we sit down, seek out, or log in to exchange words.”
Lara Partridge, Head of Talent Asia Pacific at HSBC
Start Listening Now!
This book is intended to appeal to a wide readership. We hope that it will be useful to anyone wanting to improve their communication skills, enhance their social connections, or perform better at work.Because the central theme of this book is listening, we encourage you to read it as part of a book club. This will give you an opportunity to discuss your reactions as well as to practice the skills of listening during the group’s
discussion!
Get Your Copy of Radical Listening
Dr. Robert Biswas-Diener
Dr. Robert Biswas-Diener is widely known as the “Indiana Jones of Positive Psychology” because his research has taken him to such far-flung places as Greenland, India, Kenya, and Israel. He is a leading authority on strengths, culture, courage, and happiness and known for his pioneering work in the
application of positive psychology to coaching.
