What’s in a Question?

When I first realized that professional coaching was a key component of being an Agile Coach, I maintained a list of “powerful” or “transformational” questions. Unfortunately, as I sat down to write this blog, I was unable to find my list of transformational questions. This annoyed me as I generally don’t lose things and I couldn’t move forward as planned without them. Not knowing how to proceed, I asked myself some transformational questions to see if I could spark some of my own insight as to where my list of questions could be or what I should do next. For instance, I asked myself:

• When was the last time you edited the list of questions?

• Where was the list the last time you saw it?

• Where else could it be?

• Who could you ask to help you find it?

• How long will you spend searching for the list?

• What other options are there?

• And finally, what will you do if you are unable to find the list?

As a result of asking myself these questions, I came to the realization that I could continue to write this blog and share my thoughts about transformational questions with you - even if I don’t ever find my list. So, here we go…

What Are “Transformational Questions”?

Take a moment to review what I asked myself when I was unable to find my own collection of transformational questions and consider: What do these questions all have in common? Do that now before continuing reading. I’ll wait…

...I’m sure you caught all of these - let’s review anyway. All of those questions:

• Are open-ended rather than closed questions

  • “What will you do?” instead of “Will you write the blog without finding your list?”

• Are not leading questions

  • “Who could you ask for help?” instead of “Would your spouse be able to help you?”

• Start with “who”, “what”, “where”, “when” and “how”

  • “Why” is generally avoided. I’ll explain later.

• Benefit the client and not the coach (ie. they’re transformational not transactional)

• Leave the thinking up to the person being asked the questions, not the questioner

• Are clear and direct

• Are genuinely curious

Why Ask “Transformational Questions” Anyway?

Transformational questions are designed to spur insight on behalf of your client. They invite big picture thinking without constraints, allowing your client to access all possibilities and explore those that are most useful to them. Most importantly, forming questions in this way leaves the coach’s opinions of what the client should do out of the conversation.

Why Not “Why”?

Asking “why” can be a transformational question that often leads to new insights for your client. However, coaches are divided on whether this is a safe and appropriate question to ask. My perspective is that “why” can be an appropriate question and is often useful when asked skillfully. My caution is in how this question is asked. Think back to when you were a child. Under what circumstances were you most often asked the question of “why”? That’s right, when you were in trouble! “Seriously Brock, why would you do that?” These questions often come across as judgmental and accusatory, if not asked in the right way, using the correct tone. I often instruct newer coaches to avoid asking “why” questions altogether. As they become more proficient and confident in their coaching, I suggest asking why in different ways, such as, “what is the reason for that?” This type of question brings the same information to light and is less likely to cause a defensive reaction in the client. Coaches who progress beyond this point, are often able to ask “why” in a skillful way.

Transformational Questions Through the GROW Model

Since I still haven’t found my collection of questions, I’ve done my best to recreate the list and have categorized them according to where in the GROW model (Goal, Reality, Options, Way Forward) each question is best suited. This blog will now serve as my repository for transformational questions, so check back regularly for updates. Be sure to post your favourite transformational questions in the comments below so that we can continue to grow this repository as a service to the coaching community.

Goal

• What would you like to see happen here?

• What does an ideal outcome look like for you?

• Suppose that tonight, while you’re sleeping, a miracle happens. When you get up in the morning tomorrow, how will you know that things have suddenly got better? (a.k.a The Miracle Question)

• What do you want?

• What does success look like for you?

• What problem would you like to tackle today?

• What impact would you like to have?

• In an ideal world, what would the landscape look like?

• How would you prefer to show up?

• What difference would that make to you?

• What are you trying to achieve?

Reality

• Where are you now?

• What’s on your mind?

• If those tears had a voice, what would they say?

• What’s the real challenge here for you?

• What’s holding you back?

• What’s stopping you?

• On a scale of 1 - 10, how important is it for you to resolve this issue?

• What are you doing now?

• What have you already tried?

• What question do you not want me to ask?

• Where are we in this conversation?

• What question would you ask next?

• What obstacles are there?

• What’s going on for you right now?

• What’s happening over there for you?

• What are you tolerating?

Options

• What could you do?

• What else could you do?...What else is possible?...And what else?

• If you did know the answer, what would it be?

• Who could help you with this?

• How are you going to achieve this?

• What options are there for moving forward?

• What would your hero do?

• In a perfect world, what would the answer be?

• If you could choose anything with no constraints, what would you choose?

Way Forward (or What Will You Do?)

• What will you do?

• Which of those options would you like to explore further?

• What would happen if you took those steps?

• How committed are you to this course of action?

• How can I help?

• What’s been the most helpful to you in this conversation?

Check out the free Scrum Alliance video series on coaching or Superheroes Academy Path to Coaching program to go deeper on transformational questions and all things professional coaching.

A special thank you to one of our Path to Coaching groups (Drew, Satish, Jason, Martin) for providing some of the transformational questions used in this blog.

And remember to post your favourite transformational questions in the comments below and check back regularly for new questions!