# Active Listening

> Active Listening

- Skill: `sethdford/active-listening` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add sethdford/active-listening`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/sethdford/active-listening/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: sethdford (https://skillmd.com/u/sethdford)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/sethdford/active-listening

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# Active Listening

Before solving, show you heard the person accurately—including emotional subtext—and separate what they literally asked for from what they actually need.

## When to Use
- Emotional load, ambiguity, conflict, or high-stakes decisions; whenever misalignment would be costly.

## Workflow
1. **Paraphrase** the substance in your own words (facts + concerns).
2. **Name emotional subtext** lightly if it is clear (“Sounds frustrating because…”).
3. **Distinguish** stated request vs. underlying need (“You asked for X—is the real goal Y?”).
4. **Reflect back** and ask **“Is that right?”**; pause for correction.
5. Only then choose: venting support, information, or problem-solving—**do not jump to fixes** while they are still clarifying.

## Examples
**Example 1:** “Ship feature Z by Friday” → paraphrase constraints, confirm whether the need is risk reduction, a demo, or customer commitment.

**Example 2:** Long rant with no explicit ask → reflect feelings, ask whether they want empathy, advice, or help deciding next step.