In today’s fast-paced, hybrid workplaces, genuine attention is scarce—and costly misunderstandings are common. Mastering Intentional Active Listening in the Global Workplace equips business leaders, managers, and consultants with practical tools to decode what’s really being said—especially in virtual, cross-cultural, and AI-enhanced settings.
Across four interactive modules, you’ll learn the science behind attention, apply frameworks like Facts–Feelings–Identity and Feel–Need–Offer, and practice three levels of listening: internal, focused, and global. Build habits that foster psychological safety, navigate neurodiverse and multilingual teams, and use AI ethically to tone-check, summarize, and safeguard communication.
Through immersive Listening Labs and a 30-day improvement plan, you’ll embed core behaviors—Attend, Acknowledge, Clarify, Confirm—and track real outcomes via engagement dashboards and stakeholder rituals. Designed by Dr. Eric Zackrison, this course transforms listening from a passive trait into a measurable leadership skill. Start today to lead with clarity, empathy, and impact.
In this course, you’ll learn how to master intentional active listening to build trust, prevent conflicts, and align global hybrid teams. You’ll focus on real-world applications like decoding attention with the Facts–Feelings–Identity framework, applying empathic listening formulas, and adapting to neuro-diverse and cross-cultural cues in high-stakes conversations. Through expert instruction, immersive Listening Labs, and hands-on tools like AI-assisted tone checks, dashboards, and habit trackers, you’ll gain the skills to communicate inclusively, thrive in virtual and AI-augmented spaces, and embed listening as a measurable leadership practice—while safeguarding privacy and data integrity.
What's included
1 video1 reading
Show info about module content
1 video•Total 2 minutes
Welcome & Course Introduction and Goals •2 minutes
1 reading•Total 5 minutes
Welcome to the Course: Course Overview•5 minutes
Foundations of Intentional Listening
Module 2•2 hours to complete
Module details
In this module, you’ll build the foundations of intentional listening by exploring how active listening differs from passive hearing and why it is essential for trust, clarity, and collaboration. You’ll examine the Facts–Feelings–Identity framework and the three listening levels—internal, focused, and global—to uncover what people truly mean, not just what they say. Through guided demonstrations and questioning drills, you’ll practice turning conversations into deeper insights. You’ll also assess your own listening style and biases, then design a 30-day micro-goal plan to strengthen your presence and consistency as a listener. With this foundation, you’ll be equipped to elevate every interaction into one that builds understanding and connection.
Four Building Blocks of Active Listening •3 minutes
Passive vs. Active Demo •3 minutes
Facts–Feelings–Identity Framework•4 minutes
Three Levels of Listening: Internal, Focused, and Global •4 minutes
Practicing Three Conversations & Listening Depth •4 minutes
Question Types & Funnels •5 minutes
Appreciative Inquiry & Probing •5 minutes
Live Question Drill Demo •4 minutes
Assessing Your Listening Style •4 minutes
Bias Recognition & Mitigation •4 minutes
Setting 30 Day Micro Goals •4 minutes
1 reading•Total 5 minutes
Active Listening Skills: Definition and Examples-Indeed Career Guide •5 minutes
1 assignment•Total 20 minutes
Foundations of Intentional Listening •20 minutes
1 peer review•Total 10 minutes
Hands-On-Learning: Personal Listening Transformation Plan •10 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 10 minutes
Overcoming Personal Listening Barriers and Biases •10 minutes
Empathic & Inclusive Listening
Module 3•2 hours to complete
Module details
In this module, you’ll strengthen your ability to listen with empathy and inclusion by learning structured response tools that validate emotions, reduce tension, and build trust in high-stakes conversations. You’ll apply the Feel–Need–Offer formula to keep dialogue constructive, practice appreciative listening to surface values and strengths, and explore techniques for regulating your own emotional triggers. The module also equips you with strategies to adapt your listening style for neurodiverse teammates, ESL speakers, and culturally diverse teams. Finally, you’ll practice applying a crisis-ready listening framework to challenging scenarios such as layoffs, negotiations, and performance reviews—transforming tense moments into opportunities for connection and trust.
Applying the Feel-Need-Offer Framework in High-Stakes Conversations •10 minutes
Remote & AI Enhanced Listening
Module 4•2 hours to complete
Module details
In this module, you’ll learn how to adapt your listening strategies for remote and technology-driven workplaces. You’ll discover practical tactics for showing attentiveness in virtual meetings, creating clarity through asynchronous channels, and managing tone across diverse communication styles. You’ll also explore how to integrate AI tools like ChatGPT into your listening workflow—using them for meeting summaries, tone checks, and comparative insights—while applying ethical guardrails to ensure privacy and human-centered communication. By bridging emotional intelligence with technology, this module equips you to listen effectively, whether live on Zoom, in a Slack thread, or through AI-augmented collaboration.
Optimizing Virtual Meeting Listening and Engagement•10 minutes
Strategic & Leadership Listening
Module 5•2 hours to complete
Module details
In this module, you’ll elevate listening from an individual skill to a strategic leadership capability. You’ll learn how to connect personal listening habits to organizational outcomes like psychological safety, engagement, and innovation. Through coaching models, stakeholder routines, and scalable team rituals, you’ll practice embedding listening into leadership culture and decision-making. You’ll also work with a quick-start listening dashboard to track impact, close feedback loops, and strengthen trust. Finally, you’ll explore advanced intuitive listening practices to detect unspoken signals and energy shifts—enabling you to sense what isn’t said and lead with deeper awareness.
Balancing Intuitive Signals and Stakeholder Listening in Complex Organizations •10 minutes
Course Conclusion
Module 6•1 hour to complete
Module details
In this final module, you’ll synthesize your learning across all four modules—building from foundational listening skills to strategic, leadership-level applications. You’ll reflect on how to apply intentional, empathic, inclusive, and AI-augmented listening in your daily work and team culture.
Our purpose at Starweaver is to empower individuals and organizations with practical knowledge and skills for a rapidly transforming world. By collaborating with an extensive, global network of proven expert educators, we deliver engaging, information-rich learning experiences that work to revolutionize lives and careers. Committed to our belief that people are the most valuable asset, we focus on building capabilities to navigate ever evolving challenges in technology, business, and design.
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.