Discover the Power of "What" Questions in Coaching Sessions

Today, I'm excited to dive into a topic that can revolutionize the way you approach coaching sessions and help your clients achieve breakthrough realizations:

The Power of "What" Questions in Evoking Self-awareness.

Self-awareness is the foundation of personal growth and transformation.

It's the ability to see ourselves clearly, understand how others perceive us, and recognize how we fit into the world around us. When our clients develop self-awareness, they're better equipped to make positive changes, overcome obstacles, and achieve their goals.

However, despite its importance, self-awareness remains elusive for many people.

In fact, research shows that while 95% of people believe they are self-aware, only 10-15% actually are. This gap presents a tremendous opportunity for coaches to step in and guide their clients toward greater self-understanding. One of the most common tools coaches use to promote self-awareness is asking questions.

But not all questions are created equal.

In particular, coaches often rely heavily on "why" questions, such as "Why do you think you're struggling with this issue?" or "Why do you believe you haven't achieved your goal yet?"

While "why" questions can be useful in certain contexts, they often keep clients stuck in the past, focused on problems rather than solutions. "Why" questions tend to elicit excuses, justifications, and a victim mentality, all of which can hinder progress in coaching sessions.

So, what's the alternative?

It's time to embrace the power of "what" questions

"What" questions are far more effective at evoking self-awareness and helping clients move forward. When you ask a client a "what" question, you encourage them to shift their focus to the present and future, take ownership of their situation, and explore new possibilities.

Here are some examples of powerful "what" questions you can use in your coaching sessions:

• "What do you want to achieve?"

• "What's most important to you in this situation?"

• "What's holding you back from taking action?"

• "What would success look like for you?"

• "What's one small step you could take today to move closer to your goal?"

By asking these types of questions, you create a space for your clients to gain clarity, identify their priorities, and generate their own solutions. "What" questions empower clients to tap into their own wisdom and resources, rather than looking to you for all the answers.

How you phrase your question matters.

Instead of asking, "Why do you procrastinate?", try rephrasing it as, "What triggers your procrastination?" Instead of "Why are you unhappy in your job?", ask "What would make your work more fulfilling?"

These subtle shifts in language can make a big difference in how your clients respond.

"What" questions tend to be more open-ended, inviting exploration and creative problem-solving.

As you start integrating more "what" questions into your coaching sessions, remember that the space between your questions is just as important as the questions themselves. After asking a powerful question, allow your client time to reflect and respond.

Embrace the silence.

Resist the urge to jump in with additional prompts or commentary.

Trust that your client has the capacity to find their own answers, and give them the gift of your undivided attention and presence.

Here's my challenge to you:

In your next coaching session, commit to replacing at least three "why" questions with "what" questions. Notice how your client responds, and pay attention to the shifts in energy and insight that arise.

Remember, as coaches, our job isn't to have all the answers. It's to ask the right questions and create a space for exploration.

By harnessing the power of "what" questions, you'll be well on your way to unlocking your clients' self-awareness and facilitating profound transformation.

Thanks for reading,

Mike Foster

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