The hidden power behind these 3 coaching questions
Do you know the origin of the word 'coaching'? The word comes from the word 'coachman', the person who transported a traveler in a carriage. The traveler chose the destination, and the coachman took him from point A to point B.
In the end, today's coaches haven't strayed too far from this definition. But without the horse.
They are a true partner to target the client's objective and vision and lead them to achieve this project. This accompanied journey leads to superior results faster and more efficiently.
So what is their secret? What are their techniques? There are so many. They are all adapted to the needs and the person involved. However, the power of questioning is one of the foundations of personal development. The question is the coach's main tool to move forward and take action!
The most important questions heard by coachees
There are no ready-made questions. However, some are used in certain situations because they hide powerful practices. These are simple questions that are effective when read and answered with sincerity.
How would you explain your project to a 10 year old?
In addition to making you smile at the idea of being in front of a child, this question naturally leads you to choose the simplest words to express your intention. The result? You avoid jargon and get straight to the point. By answering it, things become clearer. Are you a salesperson? Try explaining what you sell. Are you a CEO? Try explaining your vision or strategy.
When are you at your best?
This question has the super power to bring you back to situations in which you felt strong, capable and confident. Writing about these moments, describing your feelings and the results you achieved, will put you in a constructive frame of mind. You can then try to recreate those situations in the future.
What is your next step?
Even reading this simple question activates the brain on possible next steps. It allows you to break down into smaller steps to reach your goal. Writing down the one you choose is a step forward. This question can also be used to help a collaborator who seems stuck in a situation, for example.
The power of questions is great and opens the field of possibilities. One of the main qualities of a good leader is to know how to ask the right questions in order to activate the path of his collaborators. Do not impose your solution but let the employee find it by himself. They will regain control, be innovative and reconnect with their intrinsic motivations. Of course, a structure and a space allowing this coaching is necessary. By training leaders to become leader-coaches, teams will become more autonomous.
So, the first question is: Are you ready?
