One of the things that I really enjoy doing is helping people to develop their coaching skills.
A key skill that I teach participants on my “Coaching for First Class Results” programme is asking powerful questions.
There are many benefits that people derive from being more confident and accomplished in this area and combine it with excellent listening skills.
In my experience, when people are asked the right questions they come up with their own solutions to challenges, become more accountable and are more likely to execute their plans.
Asking relevant questions from a position of natural curiosity with genuine intent can dramatically increase personal and professional effectiveness.
It contributes towards increased employee motivation and engagement, helps people to learn and gain greater clarity.
Increasing your questioning skills assists with the development of professional and personal relationships. It will help you to deepen your understanding of situations and get to the core of issues.
If you are involved in sales it will support you to sell more of your products, services and ideas.
My top tips to help you to develop questioning skills:-
- Ask relevant powerful questions which are short and straightforward.
- Use open questions to encourage people to talk e.g. What? Where? When? Where? Who? How?
- Ask “What” questions as much as you can. I refer to them as WAQ (Wisdom access questions) because you are accessing someone else’s wisdom.
- Avoid “Why” questions as they can sound judgmental and accusatory.
- Pose questions from a position of natural curiosity and with genuine intent.
- Ask questions to confirm your understanding and demonstrate you are listening.
- Beware of using leading questions, particularly if you are the boss.
What one thing could you do to develop your questioning skills?
Quote for the week:
“A prudent question is one-half of wisdom” Francis Bacon
To arrange a free no obligation consultation, please contact Stephen Pauley via the contact form or by e mail: Stephen@befirstclass.co.uk