Elements of Best Questions
In the process of coaching, the questions that can be regarded as the best are the ones that are open-ended or probing in nature. Every type of question has its specific place in the coaching process and plays a vital role in the process. The questions serve as the most important tools utilized by the coach to create focus and to establish exploration. Questions may push the client to deeply consider and enhance her commitment. Therefore, keeping the question simple and easy flowing is the best for the coach, as the client finds such a question to be very helpful.
It is why an open-ended question is the best in most cases. Open questions keep the client in charge, there is no right or wrong answer and they do not put people on the defensive during the conversations. They allow the coach to come up with more to talk about as well, as the conversation has an easier flow to it. The bigger question takes an open-ended question further. It expands on a smaller topic and allows the client to think about it in a grand fashion. A bigger question takes practice. Lastly, a popular questioning technique is the probing question. Probing questions are employed to open up the funnel when the client is exploring an issue. The probing questions help to explore, gather and discuss ideas. They are not usually used to solve a problem or to conclude the issues.
Factors Influencing the Success or Failure of the Coaching Process
Success or failure in the coaching process is reached when a client and coach maintain their initial agreements. Those agreements are usually based on accountability, encouragement and the overall willingness of the client to change. The client should be committed to the process, fully in order for the coaching to be effective and in such a case, the coach should be committed to the client to encourage her.
In the presence of accountability, the client is energized and motivated to change. However, it should be noted that accountability does not mean punishment or ridicule. Instead, it reminds the client of her commitment to the coaching process and to herself and the coach to act responsibly. Encouragement acts as the source of energy in this relationship. It serves in motivating and inspiring the client to stay focused on her goals. Hence, in this way, the coach can be regarded as the greatest cheerleader in her life. The coach serves as the guide for her through one of her most transformational times and may cause failure or success by the actions and words. The influence of the coach helps in changing the lives of the people regularly.
