How can you ask questions that uncover values and motivations in coaching?

Values and motivations are often the unseen forces guiding our life's journey. In my coaching practice, I find that many clients are flying their life planes without any instruments at all, unaware or even misleading themselves about their true values and motivations. Sometimes, these are masked by 'shoulds' or societal expectations. The process of uncovering and coming to grips with what truly drives us is not just enlightening; it's transformative. It's about shedding preconceived notions and embracing the authentic self. Once clients get honest and clear about their values and motivations, everything else falls into place.

It is important to understand your clients values and motivation- essentially WHY They Want ,What They Want. Once you can help the client uncover the real reasons behind thier actions, you will start to understand what their true motivation are to achieve their goal. A great tool to use to uncover your clients true motivation are to ask your client a few of the following question: How will achieving this goal improve your life ? What will happen if you don't achieve this goal ? How will it feel - when you have reached this goal ? What does this goal truly mean to you ? Why does it matter ? Keep on asking why ,until you uncover the clients real ,true motivation to achieve their goal.

Our behaviours may vary situationally but why we do what we do is tied to our intrinsic value systems. Since the motivations and values are deeper truths it required unearthing!

My go-to assessment for values is the Personal Values Assessment by Richard Barrett. I use it extensively with my clients because the PVA is not only about values; it maps out the values against evolutionary human needs inspired by a reinterpretation of Maslow's hierarchy of values. The biggest benefit is that your client can see a representation of where they're most investing their energy to meet their needs. For example, if I invest my energy to meet my basic survival needs, I wouldn't be paying much attention to supporting others through coaching or mentoring.

In my experience, I’ve noticed that motivation is always present & values are always a factor. Even when someone is not motivated towards their goal, they are motivated enough to resist. I find the question “what’s even more important than ‘x’ ?” as being quite revealing. (‘x’ being the thing that is currently not being worked towards). Sometimes a client perceives there to be a clash in values and so justifies not pursuing ‘x’. Often they’re not aware of the behavioural options they have to fulfil both values & so one could enquire “how can pursuing ‘x’ fulfil both of your values?”

In my executive coaching practice, I employ a compass that guides me in identifying values and motivations. Open-ended questions serve as my tools, inviting coachees to embark on an introspective journey. I facilitate exploration into their passions, motivators, and aspirations. Questions probing into their life's purpose, sources of fulfillment, and long-term vision offer a glimpse into their inner compass. This process reveals a tapestry of values, woven from threads of autonomy, impact, recognition, and more. It's through these conversations that I illuminate the path toward growth, aligning their goals with the essence of who they are and what they stand for.

Identifying values and motivations is more than a checklist; it's a profound exploration of the self. I guide clients through three key inputs: objective insights from validated assessments like Hogan's, feedback from close connections, and their own minds. Instead of handing over a list of values, I challenge clients to analyze their own behaviors and reactions. What drives them? What triggers emotions? By working backward, we uncover the real values guiding their actions. This isn't about conforming to societal pressures; it's about embracing authenticity and aligning actions with true selves.

Yes it is important to understand what factors help motivate the client. But you as a coach also need to find out what are the key factors that play a role in demotivating your client. What are the trends and triggers of these demotivating factors . How often do they appear: In a week ? In a month ? Over 3 months? Over 6 months? Understanding if these demotivating factors are not addressed and tended to, how the can cause resistance to helping the client reach their goal in the most effective and efficient way possible.

In my coaching practice, I see motivators as primal drivers of our needs, propelling us into action, while values are the filters shaping our decisions. To uncover these, I ask instinctive questions like 'What drives you?' for motivators and 'How did you decide?' for values. This isn't about generic inquiries; it's a tailored exploration that taps into the complex interplay between motivators and values. By examining actions and decisions, we uncover what truly guides each individual. With me, this process isn't one-size-fits-all; it's a transformative journey that resonates with the unique path of each client, empowering them to navigate life with authenticity.

In my executive coaching journey, refining the art of questioning is paramount. It's about crafting questions that transcend mere conversation, steering toward profound insights. I continuously strive to enhance my skill in asking open-ended, probing, and reflective questions. This deliberate practice is a tapestry woven with experience, observation, and learning. It's about honing the finesse to extract motivations, stimulate self-discovery, and unveil hidden potential. My commitment to improving question types is an unwavering pursuit, a compass guiding coachees toward transformative growth and actionable change.

In the realm of executive coaching, my approach hinges on delving beyond the surface. Asking questions that unearth values and motivations is my compass. These inquiries unearth the core drivers that propel coachees toward their aspirations. By understanding what truly inspires them, we chart a course toward meaningful transformation. This isn't just about addressing challenges or hitting goals; it's about igniting an intrinsic fire that fuels growth and leadership evolution. Through skillful questioning, we unravel layers, revealing the essence of their aspirations. This process isn't just a means to an end; it's a journey that aligns objectives with their inner compass.