Listening as Transformative Practice and Leadership

This subject explores listening as an essential skill for effective leadership, coaching, and mentoring. Students discover that leadership is a functional skill accessible to all, not merely a positional privilege, and that intentional listening is the cornerstone of influence, connection, and sustainable growth. 

Through theoretical frameworks and practical application, students learn to distinguish between listening "to" content and listening "for" deeper meaning—including values, emotions, assumptions, and possibilities. The subject emphasises creating psychologically safe spaces, enabling genuine dialogue and building cultures of trust. 


Quick Info

  • Currently offered by Alphacrucis: Yes
  • Course code: CMS501
  • Credit points: 10
  • Subject coordinator: Susan Westraad

Awards offering Listening as Transformative Practice and Leadership

This unit is offered as a part of the following awards:

Unit Content

Curriculum Objective

This subject explores listening as an essential skill for effective leadership, coaching, and mentoring. Students discover that leadership is a functional skill accessible to all, not merely a positional privilege, and that intentional listening is the cornerstone of influence, connection, and sustainable growth. 

Through theoretical frameworks and practical application, students learn to distinguish between listening "to" content and listening "for" deeper meaning—including values, emotions, assumptions, and possibilities. The subject emphasises creating psychologically safe spaces, enabling genuine dialogue and building cultures of trust. 

Outcomes

Unit Learning Outcomes 

 

1. 

Articulate an understanding of the core competencies and theories for coaching and mentoring. 

 

2. 

Critically analyse the relationship between listening and effective leadership.  

 

3. 

Evaluate personal listening filters, biases, and skill development using evidence-based models.  

 

4. 

Synthesise multiple listening frameworks to facilitate transformational dialogue in complex and ambiguous environments. 

 

5. 

Apply intentional listening techniques and questioning that integrate psychological safety principles.  

 

Subject Content

Week 

 

Introduction Subject and Assessment Overview 

  

Listening as a Core Leadership Skill 

Listening with Intention. Listening “for” and listening “to” 

 

Psychological Safety, to support intentional listening, communication, and wellbeing 

Fertile Ground 

External Listening Skills 

Putting the Practice into Practise 

Listening Frameworks 

Active Listening 

10 

Leading Learning Environments 

11 

Reflective Practice 

12 

Establishing and Maintaining Agreements 

This course may be offered in the following formats

  • Face to Face (onsite)
  • E-learning (online)
  • Intensive
  • Extensive 

Please consult your course prospectus or enquire about how and when this course will be offered next at Alphacrucis University College.

Assessment Methods

Assessment Overview 

Assessment Type 

Outcomes  

Weighting  

Week Due 

  1. Minor Essay 

2 & 4 

20% (1500) 

Week 5 

  1. Critical Reflection 

 

1 to 5 

30% (1800 words) 

Week 8 

3. 20 min recorded presentation and report 

1 to 5 

50% (1800 words) 

Week 12 

Prescribed Text

  • References will include the most current curriculum requirements for schools.

Check with the instructor each semester before purchasing any prescribed texts or representative references