The purposes of a man s heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding

Transcription

1 Powerful Questions The purposes of a man s heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out. Proverbs 20:5 Open questions are the single sure practice that invites critical thinking and effective learning. Jane Vella What Makes A Question Powerful? Presence & Listening Coaching presence and listening are keys to asking powerful questions. Presence means the coach: Listens actively Sticks with the coachee s topic Tunes into the coachee s emotions Participates with, rather than leads the client Flexibly approaches the conversation Lets go of his or her own solutions

2 3 Tests For Powerful Questions Powerful questions come from profound listening and engagement with a person. What makes a question powerful is its ability to provoke reflection in the other person. 1. Coachee or Me? Is this question for my benefit or the coachee s? 2. Forward or Backward? Is this question focused on the past or moving forward? 3. Exploring or Leading? Does this question try to lead the coachee or help him or her explore? How Do You Ask Powerful Questions?

3 3 Strategies To Ask Powerful Questions 1. Stop thinking ahead. Stay present with the client. 2. Stop problem solving. Get below the surface. (See: The Power of In-Here Change at keithwebb.com) 3. Ask open, non-directional, exploring questions. ICF Core Competencies 6. Powerful Questioning Ability to ask questions that reveal the information needed for maximum benefit to the coaching relationship and the client a. Asks questions that reflect active listening and an understanding of the client s perspective b. Asks questions that evoke discovery, insight, commitment or action (e.g., those that challenge the client s assumptions) c. Asks open-ended questions that create greater clarity, possibility or new learning d. Asks questions that move the client towards what they desire, not questions that ask for the client to justify or look backwards The Professional Certified Coach (PCC) Markers Competency 6: Powerful Questioning 1. Coach asks questions about the client; his/her way of thinking, assumptions, beliefs, values, needs, wants, etc. 2. Coach's questions help the client explore beyond his/her current thinking to new or expanded ways of thinking about himself/herself. 3. Coach's questions help the client explore beyond his/her current thinking to new or expanded ways of thinking about his/her situation. 4. Coach s questions help the client explore beyond current thinking towards the outcome s/he desires. 5. Coach asks clear, direct, primarily open-ended questions, one at a time, at a pace that allows for thinking and reflection by the client. 6. Coach s questions use the client s language and elements of the client s learning style and frame of reference. 7. Coach s questions are not leading, i.e. do not contain a conclusion or direction.

4 About the Presenter Keith E. Webb, D.Min., PCC is passionate about enabling organizations to expand their capacity to improve society around them. In 2005, Keith founded Creative Results Management, a global training organization whose clients are faith-based non-profit organizations. He designed the COACH Model and The Coaching Mastery Certificate Program and has delivered training to leaders in more than 20 countries. He lived 20 years in Asia Japan, Indonesia, and Singapore. He is author of The COACH Model for Christian Leaders, co-editor and contributing author of Coaching In Asia, and author of Overcoming Spiritual Barriers in Japan. He received the Professional Certified Coach (PCC) designation from the International Coach Federation and is the immediate past-president of the ICF Washington State chapter. He and his family currently reside near Seattle. keith.webb@crmcoaches.com Website: Blog:

5 COACH Model Training Now What? Are you ready to take the next step in your coaching training? We teach and practice with you everything you need to coach effectively. Learn the skills you need to multiply your ministry impact! Get On The Pro Track Creative Results Management offers coaching courses in person, online, or by telephone to build your coaching skills. All of our coaching training has been examined and approved by the International Coach Federation (ICF), the world s largest marketplace coaching association. In fact, you can go on to earn a professional coach credential. Multiply Your Ministry Impact Since 2005, Creative Results Management has equipped thousands of ministry leaders in practical ministry skills. We are one of the largest Christian training organizations focused on coaching. Visit our website today. CreativeResultsManagement.com