I have written before about the many important questions entrepreneurs need to ask in their interviews when looking for a professional business coach. What have their results with previous clients been before? What is their style of working? How do they measure success? Have they ever turned down a client request and if so, why? But asking questions goes both ways. Indeed, asking questions is one of the most important components of any good coach’s job. So how do you ensure the questions you are asking are not only powerful, directive and effective, but also professional?
First of all, you need to make sure that the questions you ask are not loaded. By that I mean that they should not direct a client to the answer that you’re looking for. All of the questions you ask should be objective and non-judgmental. They should also be as open ended as possible, since it is that space to explore in answering that will often times most help the client on their way.
Secondly, don’t fall into the trap of thinking that the more complicated your questions, the more professional you will come across. Complex vocabulary will do nothing but confuse the client, who is by and large already confused about a lot of things and has come to you for clarity. Keep your questions simple and brief and don’t make anything harder than it has to be.
Thirdly, a professional business coach should try as much as possible to put themselves on the same level as their clients in order to create a safe and trusting environment. Try to speak as they speak using similar language to ask your questions. If clients can hear themselves in you then they’ll be more likely to trust you and open up.
So check over your database of questions (if you don’t have one of these, start one today). Check to see if all of them measure up to the above criteria. Can you make any changes that will lead to more powerful and effective questions?
If you’re still unsure about the effectiveness of your strategy, why not get a mentor? I don’t mean you necessarily have to hire a coach for yourself, but see if you can watch another successful coach in action. What are they doing that is different from you? Are they asking any different questions? Are they asking the same questions you normally do but in a different way? How effective are they in opening up a discussion with the client and generating productive answers?
A professional business coach should also always make a summary note of every session they conduct. How effective were the questions you asked? Which were more productive than others? Which turned off the client completely? Which got them talking the most? See what worked and what didn’t so that you can make changes in the future. But when in doubt, always remember that you are there to guide them along a path of their own choosing, not create a new path for them.
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