7 Coaching Questions to Inspire Change
How can you achieve long-lasting change?
Seven Coaching Questions to Inspire Change, for leaders, coaches, and growth-minded professionals
Some of the most meaningful conversations in my life have been times when I have been asked the hardest, most challenging questions.
In my role as an educator, I have had to field difficult, intellectual questions from professors and colleagues. And in my work as an instructor and a leadership coach, students and clients often ask honest and hard questions, many of which have no easy answers.
But outside of my job, I have a few friends who are experts at asking intriguing questions … you simply cannot evade their commitment to curiosity. To be around them is a refreshing opportunity to dig deeper and go beneath the surface.
From this small handful of amazing individuals, I have learned the power of asking questions that promote deep growth and change.
“You don’t learn unless you question.
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What questions encourage you to explore new perspective or possibilities?
How often do you ask questions that inspire positive change?
As a leader, how can you ask more meaningful questions to those whom you lead?
What kind of question-asker are you?
Check all that apply:
____ I’m not sure what to ask. I’m nervous that asking questions will make someone else feel uncomfortable.
____ I usually think of questions after I’ve had a chance to share about my experiences or give my opinions.
____ If someone asks me a question, I ask the same question of them. I like an even exchange.
____ I look for opportunities to ask interesting questions that will help me learn something new.
____ I ask questions to connect and build relationships. I don’t want to miss an opportunity to hear someone’s story.
How can your questions inspire change?
Thoughtful, well-timed questions offer us an invitation to rich reflection and insightful discussion. Strategic, intentional questions can create new insight and opportunity for growth.
How can you use these seven questions (& sub-questions) to encourage growth and healthy change?
If you’re looking to make a long-term personal or professional change, consider how to apply these questions to your own growth plan.
Look for intentional, well-timed opportunities to ask these questions of friends, colleagues, and direct reports.
1 - What is your vision for change?
The Vision Question(s): Create a compelling, clear vision that expands your thinking beyond your current reality.
What does success look like?
What gives you energy?
If there were no obstacles, what would you do?
2 - How motivated are you to make a change?
The Mindset Question(s): Dig deep to find the root source of your motivation.
What is your “why”?
What positive impact is on the other side of your successful change?
What are the consequences of not changing?
What beliefs are barriers to your growth?
3 - Who will champion your vision for change?
The Champion Question(s): Find the people who encourage and challenge you.
Who inspires you to develop into the best version of yourself?
Who will give you honest feedback?
Who challenges you to consider new perspectives?
4 - What are your priority areas for growth?
The Growth Question(s): Identify the gap between who you are now and who you want to be.
In what areas are you living in alignment with your vision (personally or professionally)?
What areas are out of alignment, and exactly what types of gaps are you facing (knowledge, skills, relationships, etc.)?
What goals will help you to see progress in overcoming growth gaps?
5 - What insights will inspire your growth?
The Insight Question(s): Consider how shifting your perspective may highlight new possibilities.
What are your strategies for gaining fresh insight?
When were you successful in the past? What contributed to your success?
How can you change your environment to see new possibilities?
6 - Which strategies will help you meet your goals?
The Strategy Question(s): Try out strategies that will help you achieve your change.
What can you learn from experimenting with different strategies?
How will you know if your strategies are successful?
What’s your plan to navigate the frustration of failure?
7 - What habits will support your long-term success?
The Habit Question(s): Ground your growth strategies in a clear and consistent habit-building cycle.
How can you make a new habit easy and enjoyable?
What are your greatest barriers to successful, sustainable habits?
What sources of resilience will strengthen your resolve?
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