10 Powerful Career And Life Questions To Ask Yourself and Others

Posted 27 April 2014 in Coach development

From the ICF definition;

Powerful Questioning

• Ability to ask questions that reveal the information needed for maximum benefit to the coaching relationship and the client.
• Clear direct questions that lead to new insight and move the client forward. Open ended questions using 'What' and 'How' that are clear, direct and succinct.

As well as exceptional coaching, solid strategic plans, strong work relationships, high morale and improved performance and well-being are all byproducts of good questions. This potent communication tool can help you discover important information about your work, yourself, your colleagues, your customers -- and create insights that otherwise might have remained hidden.

Below are just a few questions that can have powerful effects on your work and life. Ask your questions without leading, prompting or interrupting, and suspend any assumptions. And then be sure to LISTEN to the answers.

1. What is it that you'd like to see accomplished? Followed up by 'how do you see it happening?'

2. What are your thoughts? Do you have any concerns?

3. What's the most important priority for you?

4. What would you like to see improved?

5. Can you help me understand that a little better?

6. What's in the way of improved performance? How can I change that?

7. If you could change one thing in your life/business that would have the greatest impact, what would it be?

8. What prevents you from being able to place more focus on this?

9. What self-limiting fears, thoughts or actions do you want to leave behind?

10. Are your actions today compatible with what you wish to leave behind as a legacy?

ALSO, substituting 'I' for 'you' in the questions can enable you to coach yourself.

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