Core Coaching Competency - Powerful Questions

Asking Powerful Questions are a key part of the coaching conversation as well as one of the 11 core coaching competencies of the ICF. Powerful Questions are an area as coaches we may be working with our clients (team, group and individual) to integrate into their everyday work and conversations.

In thinking about powerful questions, it is important to consider:
1. Powerful questions are open-ended.
2. Powerful questions are asked in language that is resonant for the client. As coaches we always want to adapt, or calibrate, our language with different clients. When I work with groups in the safety industry my language is different than working with educators. Notice the language which works for your clients.
3. Powerful questions are often very short. When I went through my core coaching training almost a decade ago, one of my trainers challenged us to ask questions that were only 5-7 words in length. Try it out and see what happens.
4. Watch for stacking questions, or asking a couple at a time. Just ask one question, pause and let the client/coachee answer.
5. Notice the impact of styles and impact of questions. For example, a person with a visual preference may be more receptive to the question "What does that look like?" rather than "What does that feel like?" . Part of the design of your coaching work together may be to have some discussion around individual styles.
6. Questions should support clients in creating awareness around the issues of importance/focus as well as support action around their goals.

As a coach you will develop your own repertoire of coaching questions. A quick homework assignment may be to come up with a list of powerful questions you can draw on in working with your clients. In working with teams or groups particularly notice the language of that grouping, and also be aware of the diversity that exists.

Two good resources I always recommend around questions are The Co-Active Coaching Book (check out the appendix for a great selection of coaching questions, and Change Your Questions, Change Your Life by Marilee Adams.

As a coach, what will support you in enhancing your skill in the area of questions?

Have a great week!

Warm regards
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, PCC, CPCC, BCC
Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2010)
GroupCoachingEssentials.com
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