Have you ever asked a question and then realized it came across all wrong? Or realized that you led the other person where you wanted them to go? Does that impact a client in a coaching relationship? Yes, of course \u2013 it is limiting! Given a goal of excellence in coaching, a key skill for coaches to develop and enhance is effective questioning. In this series of posts, types of questions and tips for formulating questions provide perspective and ideas.
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\nIn the first two posts, four types of questions are explored for coaches, then tips for formulating questions wrap-up this series:<\/p>\n
1. Open-ended versus Closed<\/p>\n
An open-ended question calls for information and detail; a close-ended question stops thinking and the conversation. \u201cDo you want\u2026\u201d is closed and leading. A closed question is answerable with yes, no, or a word or two. An open question elicits a longer answer, creating an opportunity to think and consider before responding. \u201cWhat do you want?\u201d is open-ended and affords the coach to follow the client lead in terms of their priorities. A common follow-up question, \u201cAnything else?\u201d is closed, while \u201cWhat else?\u201d is open.<\/p>\n
2. Clarifying versus Interpreting<\/p>\n
A clarifying question seeks more information to ensure understanding; an interpreting question includes a judgment. When a client shares information, a coach asks questions to clarify what was said and further understanding. Sometimes the way the question is asked gives an interpretation of what the client said. For example, a client shares their goal to earn $200,000 per year, and as a coach you might think that is unrealistic, so when you seek to clarify, your tone implies disbelief.<\/p>\n
What is your favorite open-ended or clarifying question when coaching?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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