Powerful Coaching Questions

Question 1

“What's on your mind?”

An open invitation. Avoid 'do you have anything to discuss?' which invites no.

Question 2

“What's the real challenge here, for you?”

Forces specificity. The 'for you' is the key word.

Question 3

“What is getting in the way?”

Surfaces blockers without judgment.

Question 4

“What is most important?”

Prioritization without prescription.

Question 5

“What do you need to move this forward?”

Identifies the next concrete step.

Question 6

“What do you really want?”

Goes deeper than the stated goal.

Question 7

“How can I help?”

Offers support without taking ownership.