Listening
A guide to building
deeper connections
Paperback $34.95, plus postage.
Listening
Foreword by Brendan “Bones” Ramdell who lost his teenage daughter to suicide. Brendan states ..”this book need to be read. It will give you ideas that I hope will prevent you from being in my situation. I see concepts in this book as a step in tackling the growing suicide rate.”
The book opens with a conversation between the author and his daughter, Emily. Initially she talks about a minor issue at school. However as the conversation deepens it becomes clear that she is worried about her relationship with her mother and not sure what to do. Uncovering the deeper concern, and reuniting Emily with her mother, is beautiful example of why listening is do important.
You are then challenged to think about what you would have done when Emily was having problems at school. For example, would you have asked questions, tried to solve the issue, given advice, told stories, or done something else that took over the conversation? Any of those options would have stopped you getting to the deeper issue
What makes Listening unique is that you are given a way to change your unconscious priorities so that you can apply the concepts you are learning.
Building Deeper Connections
The Integrated Values Iceberg© helps you reprogram your neurology by deciding what matters most in building deeper connections. Without this step the most likely outcome is that you will keep doing what you’ve always done.
Further, Listening introduces the R.E.O.S.T.A.R. process© , a structured framework designed to guide you towards deeper, more meaningful conversations. This step-by-step guide for Communication strategies equips you with the tools to:
- Recognise opportunities for building deeper connections.
- Engage and Open the conversation with empathy and curiosity.
- Summarise their perspective to demonstrate understanding.
- Transition smoothly towards identifying and addressing the underlying issues.
- Conduct a Real Issue check to ensure you’ve accurately grasped their concerns.
The beauty of the R.E.O.S.T.A.R. process© lies in its simplicity. You’ll be surprised at how often recognising an opportunity to connect can naturally lead you through these steps, resulting in remarkable outcomes.
What people are saying about "Listening - A guide to building deeper connections
We can’t be perfect listeners all the time, however in order to truly understand and connect with those around us, we all need to learn to listen in a deeper and more meaningful fashion. Ross was interviewed on ABC Life Matters. Discover how you can become a better listener in the moments that matter.
Listen like you mean it: How to Hear what your child isn’t saying. Podcast with Dr Justin Coulson’s Happy Families.
When children need to talk, they’ll give subtle clues that most parents miss completely. Recognising these moments and responding with actual listening—not advice, stories, or solutions—creates connections that last decades. The secret? Summarise what they say instead of steering the conversation. Most children never reveal their real issue first, which means parents who jump in with solutions are missing what their children truly need: to be understood.
Quote of the Episode:
“Understanding is the deepest hunger of the human heart.” – Stephen Covey (quoted by Ross Judd)
Ross Judd, who’s here to talk about his new book, Listening: A Guide to Building Deeper Connections. Ross is a highly respected author and consultant known for his insights on leadership and culture. Today, we’ll explore why listening matters, how to identify when it’s most critical, and how we can all hone our listening skills to improve our relationships—whether at work or at home. We can’t be perfect listeners all the time. However, whether you are managing a family or a business, Ross Judd’s new book Listening will help you learn how to listen properly in the moments when those closest to you need it most. When people feel nervous, worried, upset, or scared, they will often avoid talking about the real issue at heart. If you rush to address this initial topic by sharing your opinion, asking questions, telling stories or problem-solving, you will miss the deeper, underlying concern. To truly understand and connect with those around you, you need to listen in a deeper and more meaningful fashion. In Listening, Ross Judd offers a unique approach that goes beyond traditional listening skills. His simple, effective, and powerful approach will transform your relationships and empower you to be the supportive presence they deserve. Shaping Change Podcast with Ros Cardinal
