Aug
8,
2021

Learning how to Coach in English ("Brilliant Coaching", Day8), Questioning (1)

Questions should be 'simple'!
Hello everyone!

I am an executive coach supporting and encouraging people who work in companies or organizations.

While reading the book titled "Brilliant Coaching" by Julie Starr, I will continue to put some key points about coaching at work.

The topic today is "Effective Questioning" and let me divide it into two parts as follows.

In essence, effective questions in coaching provoke valuable thoughts and reflection and help surface insight, clarity, or even a decision to act.

Part 1: Good question in coaching conversation

Part 2: Questions with a clear sense of purpose


Effective Questioning, Part 1

1. In coaching, a well-timed, simply worded question can turn keys, unlock doors and provoke insight for the person you are coaching.

2. A good question in coaching:

(1) is simple
(2) has a clear sense of purpose
(3) influence someone's thought and understanding - without being controlling

3. Coach the person, not the issue

- Remember that your focus during a coaching conversation is to help the person fix the issue - not for you to fix the issue.

- So, ask questions that help 'them' think about the situation, rather that help 'you' think about the situation.

4. Power of keeping things simple

(1) In order for people not to struggle to understand your questions, simplifying language and using shorter words and terms are helpful. Such as;

- What's caused this?
- How will doing that affect things?
- What does Bob/Tom think about this?

(2) Reasons why we use overly complex questions in the workplace

- We like to appear smart, clever and knowledgeable.
- We start talking before we have a clear version of our question.
- We do not ask what we really want to know.

Simple questions borne from a clear intention create effective progress, especially in coaching conversation.


That's all for today. See you tomorrow!
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