Episode Details

We turn the spotlight this week on Dr. Haru Yamada, a sociolinguist, listening intelligence researcher, and author of “KIKU: The Japanese Art of Good Listening” to discover just how we do listen? Also, why performative skills like speaking, presenting, and offering ideas can overshadow (in many cultures) the often under-tapped skills of listening, both for receiving information and strengthening relationships.  

We hear Dr. Yamada's approach to listening, which includes listening with our heart and of the Japanese concept of “kiku,” a deep, empathetic form of listening to communicate, connect, and become more present and understanding in our interactions. 

Japanese language teaches us a lot about listening, Haru reminds us. The kanji character for "to listen" (kiku, 聴) has "fourteen hearts" and is composed of an ear (耳), the number ten (十), an eye (目), and a heart (心) on the bottom, symbolizing deep, empathetic listening. 

You can find Dr. Haru Yamada on LinkedIn. And follow her Substack. Her book’s now in paperback as well on Amazon. 

Debbi McCullough has written for the Economist, FT, and Guardian and serves as a Master Certified Coach and communications coach to leaders at Fortune 500s/100s including Google. Find her on LinkedIn.  Book her for a consult on small talk, job interviews, or the communication challenge irking you most. Join her next active listening workshop for leaders: Listen Like a Boss.