{"id":8372,"date":"2019-06-24T09:03:28","date_gmt":"2019-06-24T09:03:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.coachcert.com\/coachingblog\/?p=8372"},"modified":"2019-05-21T17:27:13","modified_gmt":"2019-05-21T17:27:13","slug":"coaching-questions-for-a-coaching-culture","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.coachcert.com\/coachingblog\/coaching-questions-for-a-coaching-culture\/","title":{"rendered":"Coaching Questions for a Coaching Culture"},"content":{"rendered":"

Powerful questioning is both art and science, and involves open, probing, and clarifying questions.\u00a0Because a single word potentially changes the meaning and the direction of the conversation, learning powerful questioning takes time.\u00a0 Powerful questioning is a coaching competency taught during coaching certification<\/a>.\u00a0 Following are a few highlights.<\/p>\n

For example, asking, “What would you do?” falls short of creating a commitment.\u00a0 Instead, asking, “What will you do?” invites being committed to chosen actions.\u00a0\"Coaching<\/p>\n

Consider for yourself how the same question asked two different ways makes a difference.\u00a0 Pause now and think about your answer to this question: What do you want?\u00a0 Consider where your mind goes initially, then give it more time and consider what additional thoughts occur.\u00a0 After a few minutes of thinking, change the phrasing of the question: What do you want in your relationships?\u00a0 Now the question directs where you focus.\u00a0 The same occurs if instead of relationships you are asked what you want in your life or what you want in your career.\u00a0 The first question is truly open; the subsequent examples are questions that give direction.<\/p>\n

The question \u201canything else?\u201d invites a yes or no answer.\u00a0 The question, \u201cwhat else?\u201d invites consideration of additional possibilities.\u00a0 Close-ended questions limit thinking by either stopping additional consideration or indicating that other thoughts are best be saved for later.\u00a0 With open-ended questions the individual is empowered to explore, consider possibilities, and make their own choices.<\/p>\n

Imagine a conversation where a person states, \u201cI am overwhelmed.\u201d\u00a0 A follow-up question might be, \u201cAre you worried that you are unable to handle it?\u201d\u00a0 This interprets what is behind the initial statement and includes judgment.\u00a0 Instead ask, \u201cWhat is going on?\u201d\u00a0 The person then continues their thought process and shares what is happening.\u00a0 Overwhelmed could be overwhelmed with joy, concern, gratitude, tasks, priorities, etc.\u00a0The first example of a response jumps to a conclusion, the second seeks clarification.<\/p>\n

Imagine discussing a customer complaint.\u00a0 The question, \u201cDo you think you should provide a written response?\u201d gives an answer in the question and shuts down other options.\u00a0 This type of question limits thinking and possibilities.\u00a0 The question, \u201cWhat are your possible courses of action?\u201d empowers consideration of multiple options.<\/p>\n

Tips for powerful question include:<\/p>\n