Closed Questions

Closed Questions

Open questions encourage people to talk.  Closed questions can be answered by yes or no.  The books say that in coaching we should be asking open questions.  I totally agree with that… except when closed questions are better!

If the person I am talking with has leapt ahead after an insight, a closed question is better: Do you know what you’re going to do next?  Otherwise they will answer the open question and tell you what they already know! That may take them backwards. Do you need to say it out loud is a good supplementary when they say 'yes'!  It’s only useful to explore what next if they don’t know.

? 3D Coaching Ltd 2019

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Mike White ICF PCC MSc HRD Inspiring Leaders to Shape the Future

Leadership Coach | Career Development Coach | Mentor Coach | Action Learning Facilitator

5 年

Insightful take on received wisdom Claire. Highlights the wisdom that ideally questions are neither open or closed, instead they are powerful. And what's powerful is in the hands of the client!

Dave Stitt PCC

Leadership team coach and content creator

5 年

Yes! Useful ??

Julie Kay MCC

Master Certified Coach - Helping Senior Leaders Retire, Redefine or Reimagine Their Next Chapter

5 年

Really clear explanation of the usefulness of closed questions and where they are appropriate. Thanks Claire.

Pavlina Wilkin, Assoc CIPD

Curriculum Designer, Equity & inclusion informed HR leader; Leadership development specialist.

5 年

Thanks for this and all your articles

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