The Kojien dictionary describes “question” as “to inquire about a question or reason,” “question = question,” and “to inquire about. Even the most authoritative dictionary does not seem to pay much attention to “questioning.
On the other hand, the skill of “questioning” in coaching goes deeper. In coaching, motivational questions are avoided. The word “inquire” in the Kojien dictionary conjures up the image of a closed-ended question.
Closed-ended questions that require a yes/no answer are used to clarify facts and opinions, but the other person may perceive the question as a reprimand and feel that he or she is being told what to say. In other words, the possibility arises that the person is saying “Hi” without being convinced.
Especially in a company where hierarchical relationships are clear, if the supervisor repeats this question, the subordinate will wait for instructions, and organizational performance will decline.
Furthermore, when the “Why? is added to the question, the possibility that the subordinate’s lack of motivation will further accelerate.
Why couldn’t you do it?
Why did you do it?”
Most “Why? are used with the intention of holding the other person accountable. Therefore, subordinates who are asked “Why? questions are used with the intention of holding the subordinate accountable.
Therefore, “Why? is replaced with “what” and “how.
Why couldn’t you do it?
→What prevented you from doing it?
→How could you have avoided it?
In some cases, the “Why?” can work in some cases. If the topic is “positive” or “think together from a third-party perspective,” the “Why? is effective.
Why is 〇〇chan so good at math?
Why don’t wars ever stop?
The skill of “questioning” in coaching is also about understanding the many facets of language.
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This article was written in Japanese and converted into English using a translation tool. We hope you will forgive us for any inadequacies.
Coach Business Laboratory, Inc., which operates the Coaching Information Bureau, provides coaching training for companies, business coaching for business people, and life coaching for individuals. In addition, we operate a coaching school for those who want to learn coaching and hold seminars for executives and business leaders. If you are interested or have any questions, please feel free to contact us for further information and consultation.
