In this webtorial, we examine how asking the right questions create a different outcome and experience for our coachee. Questions solicit an answer but powerful questions will provoke inquiries that stimulate deeper thinking, self-reflection, and insight.
We do not live in a binary yes-no world. There are millions of colours and more than 50 shades of grey. I often fall into a trap of asking yes-no type questions which limits the answer to a binary response. By doing to we limit the opportunity for our coachee to explore other scenarios and possibilities.
Instead of ‘Have you spoken to someone about this?’, I will ask ‘Who have you spoken to about this?’. Instead of ‘Is there anything that you can do?’, I will ask ‘What can you do?’.
I also fall into the trap that I ask questions with a specific answer in my mind to guide someone to a solution for a problem. This is mentoring not coaching because by doing so, I do not allow my coachee to explore and find their answers and I risk putting my personal agenda in front of them.
Powerful questions serve as valuable tools for us to facilitate meaningful conversations, deepen our coachee’s awareness, and inspire positive change and growth.
