The Importance of Effective Questions in Coaching

July 2nd, 2010

Strong questioning skills are one of the basic competencies for any coach. Once understood which questions are “allowed” and which are a big “no-no”, a coaching dialogue can flow and actually be very fluid.

However, it is extremely helpful to understand how to build an “effective” question in coaching. Those questions are powerful and bring the coaching process forward very quickly. What exactly do I mean by “effective questions”?

The most effective questions:
- Compel attention, observation and thought
- Focus on precision and detail
- Generate a rich feedback loop

If I were to choose an example, I would do the following. Let’s say a client is explaining reasons for not achieving his objectives. You can ask many questions which will help you to understand better and you can give him more and more opportunities to explain. However, if you ask: “What is really going on here?”(With the emphasis on “really”), you are demanding the truth. You are asking for an honest and straight forward answer and your client understands it. You give him room for reflection and thought but at the same time you are making it clear that you are not interested in any excuses.

How to construct the most effective questions?
- Start broad, then narrow down to generate focus
- Be non-judgmental
- Ask open and probing questions

Once your question has been asked, get ready to listen emphatically. The impact you made will bring some important information and you need to be ready. Repeat this sequence throughout your coaching session and watch how it will improve the whole process for you and for your client.

Natalie Ekberg is an international personal and executive coach and offers self-improving, motivational and coaching e-courses and e-books as well as face to face or telephone coaching.