The Coaching Habit - Day 10

This post is part of the 📖 The Coaching Habit series.

Today, I am reading a new section Stick to Questions Starting with “What” from the Question Masterclass Part 4 chapter of the book The Coaching Habit written by Author, Michael Bungay Stanier.

Yesterday, I read some sections from The Focus Question chapter of the book.

Tomorrow, I will be reading a new chapter The Foundation Question. Look out for tomorrow’s article.

Question Masterclass Part 4

Stick to Questions Starting with “What”

There is no room for asking “Why?” in a focused conversation so forget about that. Stick with the questions that start with “What?”

If you’re not trying to fix things, you don’t need the backstory.

Here’s Your New Habit

WHEN THIS HAPPENS

When I’m tempted to ask them why.

INSTEAD OF

Beginning the question with “Why”.

I WILL

Reframe the question, so it starts with “What.” So, as some examples, instead of “Why did you do that?” ask “What were you hoping for here?” Instead of “Why did you think this was a good idea?” ask “What made you choose this course of action?” Instead of “Why are you bothering with this?” ask “What’s important for you here?”

Do you know you can listen to this book on Amazon Audible for FREE?

If you are not into reading like me, then you can listen to this book for FREE on Amazon Audible

Don't Read. Just 🎧

Summary

What did we learn in the last 10 days?

Open with:

What’s on your mind? The perfect way to start; the question is open but focused.

Check in:

Is there anything else on your mind? Give the person an option to share additional concerns.

Then begin to focus:

So what’s the real challenge here for you? Already the conversation will deepen. Your job now is to find what’s most useful to look at.

Ask:

And what else (is the real challenge here for you)? Trust me. The person will have something. And there maybe more.

Probe again:

Is there anything else? You’ll have most of what matters in front of you now.

So get to the heart of it and ask:

So what’s the real challenge here for you?

The Coaching Habit: Say Less, Ask More & Change the Way You Lead Forever

Author(s): Michael Bungay Stanier

Short Blurb: Coaching is an essential skill for leaders. But for most busy, overworked managers, coaching … Read more

Buy from Amazon

Part 10 of 21 in the 📖 The Coaching Habit book series.

Series Start | The Coaching Habit - Day 9 | The Coaching Habit - Day 11