16796660 1612431537285Coaching Questions (1)
In this instructional excerpt, the coach explains that effective coaching does not rely on a pre‑written list of questions but on mastering the art of asking good questions. Two primary types of questions are defined: closed questions that elicit yes/no or factual answers, and open questions that invite expansive responses, typically beginning with who, what, how, why, where, or when. The coach emphasizes that asking open questions is essential for uncovering the source of a client’s negative feelings (e.g., anxiety, depression, lack of motivation). By probing where the client believes their feelings originate, the coach can assess the client’s self‑awareness and determine how to help. Several interchangeable phrasings of this core question are provided, illustrating how to explore the client’s perception of the cause of their emotions. The overall message is that mastering question‑asking, especially open WH‑questions, enables coaches to build a clear picture of a client’s internal state and guide effective interventions.
Topics
Mastering the Art of Question‑Asking Over Fixed Question Lists
The coach argues that effective coaching stems from developing the skill to ask good questions rather than relying on a static list, highlighting lifelong questioning as a natural human activity.
Closed vs Open Questions: Definitions and Coaching Implications
Clear distinction between closed (yes/no, factual) and open (WH‑type) questions, with examples illustrating how each functions in a coaching conversation.
Open WH‑Questions to Reveal the Origin of Negative Feelings
Use of who, what, how, why, where, when questions to explore where clients think their anxiety, depression, or lack of motivation stems from, linking feelings to client psychology.
Practical Question Phrasings for Exploring Client Awareness
A set of interchangeable question formulations (e.g., "Where do you believe those feelings are coming from?", "What do you think the cause is?", "How do you think those feelings are being created?") designed to assess client insight and guide coaching interventions.