“The art of coaching is asking powerful questions that help people find their own answers, improve their performance, and achieve their goals.” – Keith Rosen
Welcome, change agents. There are two seemingly unrelated questions that I often get from new managers; “How do I help my direct reports make better decisions?” and “Why do my direct reports constantly ask me questions?” Surprisingly, these two issues can be solved with one new manager behavior. Stop being so helpful and ask more questions than you give answers.
Picture a workforce brimming with knowledge, innovation, and an insatiable thirst for growth. How can we make this vision a reality? The answer lies in understanding the profound impact of questions on employee learning, a concept that stands in stark contrast to simply providing answers.
Many managers are tempted to be the sole repository of wisdom and guidance, ready to dispense solutions at a moment’s notice. However, the work of countless visionaries, including the brilliant Michael Bungay-Stanier, reveals that a truly enlightened approach involves embracing the power of questions. So, let’s investigate this transformative notion and explore how asking questions can ignite a profound journey of learning within our employees.
Engage Curiosity
In our fast-paced and ever-evolving world, curiosity is the spark that fuels innovation and growth. As leaders, it is our responsibility to nurture this innate curiosity among our employees. Instead of providing quick answers, we can harness the power of questions to ignite their curiosity and prompt them to explore uncharted territories.
By asking thought-provoking questions, we encourage our employees to dive deep into their own thoughts, challenge assumptions, and uncover fresh insights. This engagement of curiosity not only broadens their knowledge base but also instills a lifelong passion for learning, driving them to continuously seek answers and expand their horizons.
Empower Ownership
A truly empowered employee is one who takes ownership of their work, driving it forward with passion and dedication. Instead of spoon-feeding solutions, asking questions empowers individuals to take ownership of their tasks and responsibilities.
When faced with a challenge, by posing open-ended questions, we inspire our employees to analyze the situation, consider various perspectives, and formulate their own solutions. This cultivates a sense of accountability and instills confidence in their abilities to overcome obstacles. By refraining from providing all the answers, we encourage autonomy, self-reliance, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
Stimulate Critical Thinking:
In the pursuit of growth, critical thinking is an indispensable tool. Rather than simply offering answers, asking insightful questions stimulates the minds of our employees, fostering a culture of critical thinking within our organizations.
By posing probing questions, we invite employees to analyze information, evaluate options, and make informed decisions. This process not only enhances their problem-solving skills but also encourages a more comprehensive understanding of the issues at hand. The habit of questioning stimulates creativity and enables employees to discover innovative solutions that may have otherwise gone unnoticed.
Foster Continuous Learning:
In the pursuit of excellence, organizations must embrace a culture of continuous learning. By adopting a questioning approach, we lay the foundation for a workforce that thrives on knowledge acquisition and growth.
As leaders, we become catalysts for learning by posing questions that challenge assumptions, spark intellectual curiosity, and promote exploration. By encouraging employees to seek answers, explore new perspectives, and engage in collaborative discussions, we create an environment that supports continuous learning and fuels personal and professional growth.
A Practical Coaching Guide for Managers:
This guide is inspired by the work of Michael Bungay-Stanier, a thought leader in the realm of coaching. Here we’ll explore practical tips and questions that will help you to implement a coaching approach with ease.
In our ever-changing world, new answers are sought at every turn, and we often overlook the profound impact of asking the right questions. As managers, we have the incredible opportunity to guide our team members toward their full potential by fostering a coaching culture that promotes learning, reflection, and accountability. By incorporating these practical tips into your managerial inventory, you will not only enhance your team’s capabilities but also cultivate a sense of ownership, critical thinking, and continuous improvement.
With the art of coaching, you will create an environment where curiosity thrives, assumptions are challenged, and growth becomes the norm. Let’s dive into these practical tips and questions that will shape your coaching journey and propel your team to unprecedented heights of success.
Start with open-ended questions:
“What do you think the best course of action is?”
“How would you approach this situation?”
“What are your initial thoughts on solving this problem?”
Practice active listening:
Give your full attention and maintain eye contact.
Avoid interrupting or rushing to provide your own input.
Demonstrate empathy and understanding through non-verbal cues.
Use “AWE” questions:
“And what else?” to encourage deeper exploration of ideas.
“What’s another possibility?” to expand the range of options.
“What would be your next step?” to prompt action-oriented thinking.
Challenge assumptions:
“What underlying assumptions are you making here?”
“What if we approached this from a different perspective?”
“What evidence supports your current belief?”
Encourage reflection and self-assessment:
“What did you learn from this experience?”
“How do you think you handled that situation?”
“What strengths can you leverage to overcome this challenge?”
Promote accountability and goal-setting:
“What actions can you take to move forward?”
“How will you measure your progress?”
“What support do you need to achieve your goals?”
Provide constructive feedback:
“What worked well in your approach?”
“What could you do differently next time?”
“How can I support you in improving this skill?”
Foster learning from mistakes:
“What did you discover from this setback?”
“How can you turn this experience into a valuable lesson?”
“What steps can you take to avoid similar challenges in the future?”
The art of coaching lies in the balance between asking powerful questions and providing support when needed. By incorporating these practical tips and questions into your management approach, you can create a coaching culture that empowers your employees to think critically, learn from their experiences, and drive exceptional performance.
The power of a coaching approach cannot be underestimated in our quest to nurture a thriving, learning-focused organization. By embracing curiosity, empowering ownership, stimulating critical thinking, and fostering a culture of continuous learning, we pave the way for our employees’ growth and success. Remember, as leaders, our role is not solely to provide answers; it is to ignite the flame of curiosity within our employees, empowering them to become lifelong learners and unlocking their full potential.
I invite you to take your first step on this transformative journey. Armed with the power of questions, you’ll witness the profound impact it has on our employees’ learning and development. By embracing the art of inquiry, we set the stage for an organization that thrives in the face of challenges, adapts to change with agility, and achieves extraordinary outcomes.
To learn more about this topic, I encourage you to check out the following resources:
The Coaching Habit: Say Less, Ask More & Change the Way You Lead Forever
by Michael Bungay Stanier
The Advice Trap: Be Humble, Stay Curious & Change the Way You Lead Forever
by Michael Bungay Stanier
