Start with a question...
Jeremy Kourdi
Leadership Development | CEO | Accredited Coach | Educator | Consultant | Writer
Why do we ask questions? The answers are interesting and surprising, varying widely depending on who, when, how and what exactly is being asked.
Great questions provide answers and generate understanding, of course, but they provide so much more. In a business context characterised by deep uncertainty, breath-taking challenges, opportunity and change, a blurring of traditional boundaries between work and home life, and a deep desire to survive and thrive, questions are the way we make progress.
We do this by increasing understanding but also by building confidence in ourselves and others, developing our mindset, shifting our behaviour, preparing and rehearsing, reflecting and, perhaps most of all, by learning. In a coaching context these are some of the biggest benefits and reasons why we question.
The truth is we ask questions for many, many reasons, and not simply to get an answer. For example, we ask questions:
Remember, questioning is an indispensable skill that enables us to learn, develop our thinking, and arrive at an answer, insight or course of action. For a coach, great questions guide without being directive, they explore and explain without teaching or preaching, they gently encourage, support and challenge, without taking over. They allow coaches to influence, develop and shape someone’s thinking far beyond that their own knowledge or area of expertise, propelling the learner to new levels of insight, awareness, action and effectiveness.
Crucially, questioning is the route to progress. This is because questions enable the people being coached to arrive at their own solutions and, crucially, to “own” them as well. The effectiveness of this tool applies to anyone in a coaching role, whether as a leader, a professional coach, or a people management executive.
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Despite their significance and value, however, there is limited understanding of:
This highlights two sometimes neglected points about questions: the importance of context and intent (closely linked to mindset). What matters when questioning is not simply what is said, but how, when and why it is said as well. That’s why it’s important to start there.
How good are your questioning skills – and how could you improve? Comments welcome.
Jeremy Kourdi works with current and potential leaders to develop their mindset, skills and effectiveness. Formerly Senior Vice President with The Economist, he has worked with London Business School and Duke Corporate Education as well as market-leading businesses worldwide.
Jeremy is the author of 28 books translated into 17 languages, including his new book Coaching Questions, Coaching Questions for Every Situation: A Leader's Guide to Asking Powerful Questions for Breakthrough Results.
His business Kourdi Associates provides clients with an experienced network of highly effective, qualified, associate coaches along with customised content, digital learning, and virtual masterclasses enabling leaders to navigate and shape the future.
Learning Solutions Consultant & Coach; Leadership & Wellbeing
3 年Love this.
Leadership & People Dev Programme Lead,CIPD East London & Docklands Branch Vice-Chair, EMCC UK Essex & East London Network Lead, School Governor, ILML7 Coach&Mentor EMCC Master Practitioner membership ,Cert NLP Coach.
3 年Great read so far……I am half way through, also taking notes in prep for the EMCC book club on the 3rd Nov! Something amazing happened on the way to work yesterday whilst reading the book on the train to central London. A young man sitting beside me asked if the book was good? I replied yes the content has thought provoking questions for coaches and leaders. He then asked to screenshot the book using his IPhone and said he would consider purchasing the book to support his leadership and management journey!
Chartered & Leadership Psychologist??Associate Fellow: British Psychological Society??Expert in Group Dynamics??Executive Coach & Mentor Coach & Supervisor??Published Author??Fellow: Institute of Leadership
3 年Got mine too! ??
Head of HR - Consumer Marketing & Corporate Functions
3 年My copy of your book has just arrived this week! Looking forward to it ??
Founder of IMAGINO Concept & Human Capital Advisory Leader at GSA Global Success Advisors and EMEA Business Group GmbH
3 年congratulations!