Questions, Questions, Questions
Tuesday, November 28 2006The phenomenal rise of coaching today is partly due to our increased expectations and aspirations. We live with more options and opportunities than any other generation.
We can do anything, live anywhere, change careers, have more than one career at a time - the possibilities are endless. And, therein, lies the problem - or should I say, challenge!
Choices and options can feel like a minefield – make the wrong move and you'll regret it. Sometimes, it can feel safer to stay put, and not go anywhere.
A good coach steers you through the minefield. Without telling you what to do or - God forbid - telling you what they would do in that situation, incisive, non-judgemental questioning can help reveal your best moves.
Asking the right questions to get to the truth is an incredible skill. It's a skill that we can all put to good use in our everyday life: one that's too important to leave to the professionals, ie coaches.
It's something we could all benefit from mastering. Asking the right questions, in the right way is something I'll be focusing on in my Coaching Masterclass, in London on December 10th.
It's open to everyone interested in helping others: practicing coaches, trainee coaches, and everyone else!
Helping someone find their own solutions can seem like magic to them, when they have felt muddled and stuck. In a recent workshop I helped a young man find a solution to his dilemma of spending more fun time with his family.
At no time did I give him answers or advice.
I merely listened and asked good questions. When he declared me a genius, I quickly pointed out that the answers were all his!
Good questions inspire people to think deeply. You can draw connections, question an outdated assumption, challenge a strongly held belief, give them words to express what they are only beginning to sense, and not yet articulated.
As long as you are questioning in the spirit of kindness, people won't feel interrogated! Like I say, it's a skill - one you can learn and reap the benefits from in every area of your life.
Look forward to seeing you on the 10th.
