Six Coaching Questions Around Goals

Last year I did a series which included coaching questions around different areas we explore as coaches with our clients. You can view them here.

At the core of any coaching process - whether we are working with individuals, groups or teams - is goal setting. Along with support to action and awareness, and creating an environment where there is ongoing focus and accountability, goals are another key focus area for any coaching conversation.

Today's post includes six questions you may want to explore with clients when working on goals. Once a person has articulated the goal some areas  you can explore with them include:

1. What's important about this goal? (it may be framed in the big picture? Short term? Long term?)
2. What will success look like?
3. What outcomes do you want?
4. What might get in the way? (or what could be a roadblock?)
5. What resources do you need to be successful? (OR What will help you be successful?)
6. When you are successful with this, what's possible?

What are some of your favorite goal questions?

In addition to using questions, it's also important to recognize that there are a variety of ways we can be working with goals, dependent on the styles and preferences of our clients. There is of course the SMART goal framework where we help clients articulate goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time bound. We can also support clients on what John Whitmore terms in his book Coaching for Performance - CLEAR  goals - Challenging, Legal, Environmentally Sound, Appropriate and Recorded.

For an alternative view on CLEAR Goals check out Peter Economy's INC article on "Forget SMART Goals - Try CLEAR Goals Instead. You can read it here.

How do you work with clients around goals? What questions will support them this week.

Have a great start to your week,
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, MES, CPT, PCC
Group Coaching Essentials | Potentials Realized  
Author of Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2010) and From One to Many: Best Practices for Team and Group Coaching (Jossey-Bass, 2013)
Upcoming programs include: Mentor Coaching Group for ACC Renewals and ACC/PCC portfolio (Fridays 12 noon ET  which started on Sept 9 or Mondays at 9 am Eastern/New York - starting September 26), the Advanced Group Coaching Practicum (Fridays 1:15 - 2:30pm ET 10 CCEs) and the Group Coaching Essentials teleseminar starting Thursdays 12 - 1:15 pm ET on September 22 (8.75 CCEs)
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