‘It is not the answer that enlightens, but the question’ – this is a trait that great leaders and fantastic coaches have.

In coaching, asking the right questions is fundamental to help guide a coachee to the right path and solution for them. In principle, this goes against our nature of trying to directly fix.

Great coaches take a step back through active listening and a style of questioning that empowers the coachee (employee/client) to grow through self-reflection. Great coaching questions should help the coachee or employee to gain clarity and move forward through identifying a number of effective options. These questions are usually open-ended questions which help overcome styles of unhelpful thinking or limiting beliefs.

15 powerful questions that you can use with your direct reports

Situation analysis

  • What do you think of it?
  • How do you feel about it?
  • What do you think is best?

Obtaining clarification

  • Tell me more about it
  • What do you mean?
  • Can you elaborate further?

Evaluating an issue

  • What is the challenge?
  • What is the worst case scenario?
  • How can you cope with this?
  • How does this align with your objectives?

Moving forward

  • What are your options?
  • Which of your options resonates with you most?
  • Who can you ask for help?
  • Are there any resources you can tap into?
  • If I was in your situation what would you advise me to do?

Related

learning from mistakes

Learning from failure – how leaders can find value in making mistakes

25 September 2023
by Martina Bartolo Parnis

And how to encourage the rest of your team to embrace it too.

Getting some well-needed rest: A reminder to switch off outside of work

22 September 2023
by Fabrizio Tabone

This does not entail slowing down your productivity, but it concerns setting boundaries between personal life and work.

Reach new heights: 6 key strategies to accelerate business growth

20 September 2023
by Fabrizio Tabone

Growth is an ongoing process that business leaders have to work hard towards and be patient with.

6 ways business leaders can instil a culture of creativity within their teams

19 September 2023
by Fabrizio Tabone

At the heart of it, business leaders need to focus on fostering their team’s creativity, rather than simply relying on ...

Close Bitnami banner
Bitnami