Asking “The Question”
Posted on Mon, May 17, 2010 @ 03:00 AM
What is the difference between coaches and really good coaches? Hint: it isn’t their knowledge, their experience, or even their latest book. The real difference lies in the ability to ask “The Question”.
“The Question” is different for every coaching candidate, but it always challenges their point of view—it brings things into focus in a way that didn’t exist before. It is this ability to ask probing, insightful, difficult questions that moves a coach from good to great.
Go To The Heart. The best coaches look below the surface of a situation and get right to its essence, cutting through the clutter and going to the main point behind the details.
Keep It Simple. The best question is often simple, going directly to root causes. It facilitates real growth through its ability to bring both clarity and discomfort into the conversation.
When you are looking for a coach, listen to them talk and you will often see this ability in the good ones. They are able to take what you say, reframe it, and then pose a question that helps you pull the answer out of yourself. This is where true growth begins.