One of the first lessons that you learn as a coach is to be a good listener and to really hear what your client is saying. Ensuring that you keep your own judgments and assumptions out of the conversation is the second lesson. This can be a challenge. It is human nature to want to share your experiences with others as a way to build affinity with them. To be a good coach for your client requires that you remain objective.
These same challenges can also apply to leaders who are developing those around them. We all know the number of issues that can be caused because of what you think happened or assumptions that you thought were true. Think about how you are listening, sharing information and check if you are making assumptions or judgments. Everyone should be able to share their ideas and feel like they are being heard.