How can you use questioning to help a coachee develop a plan of action?

1 Why questioning is important

Questioning is not only a way of gathering information, but also a way of facilitating learning and change. By asking open-ended, reflective, and challenging questions, you can help your coachee think critically, creatively, and strategically. You can also help your coachee discover their own insights, solutions, and motivations. Questioning can help you build rapport, trust, and collaboration with your coachee, as well as empower them to take ownership and responsibility for their actions.

3 How to ask effective questions

Asking effective questions is not only about what you ask, but also how you ask. To ensure that your questions are effective, here are some tips to consider: Ask open-ended questions that require the coachee to elaborate and explain; one question at a time, waiting for the coachee to answer before asking another; follow-up questions that probe deeper, clarify, or expand on the coachee's answer; and positive and empowering questions that focus on the coachee's strengths, resources, and potential. Open-ended questions can encourage the coachee to think deeply and creatively, while follow-up questions can help the coachee to reflect and discover new perspectives. Positive and empowering questions can build confidence, optimism, and motivation in the coachee.

4 How to listen actively

Asking questions is only half of the equation; the other half is actively listening. This involves giving your full attention to the coachee, making eye contact, nodding, and using verbal or non-verbal cues to show engagement. Additionally, reflecting and summarizing what they say will demonstrate understanding and help them to hear their own thoughts and feelings. Asking for feedback is also important, as it will invite the coachee to confirm or correct your understanding and share any additional information or feelings. Showing empathy and support is a great way to acknowledge and validate their emotions, challenges, and achievements. It also helps build trust between you both and encourages them to express themselves openly and honestly.

5 How to use the GROW model

The GROW model is a popular and simple framework for coaching. An acronym for Goal, Reality, Options, and Way forward, it helps structure a coaching conversation and guide the coachee through goal setting, problem solving, and action planning. The goal should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Reality questions assess the current situation or context the coachee is facing. Options explore possible courses of action or strategies to move from reality to the goal, including pros and cons, risks and benefits, and feasibility and suitability. The way forward questions help create a realistic plan of action with steps, timelines, resources, support, and criteria for success. By using the GROW model, you can help your coachee develop a clear plan of action that increases their confidence, motivation, and accountability.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?