Powerful Questions

Powerful questioning is one of the many tools we coaches and people managers use as an effective communication tool.

In the next couple of weeks I would like to start a dialog with you - the reader - on how important is powerful questioning? How effective are they? and how do you prepare yourself to be able to get the most powerful question during your coaching, your evaluations with staff and clients.

A powerful question:

• Is thought provoking
• Helps to clarify underlying assumptions
• Touches deep
• Stimulates reflective conversation
• Generates creativity
• Helps to excavate new information and
• Compare reality with our perception

What makes a question powerful?

“Questions can be live a lever to pry open the stuck lid on a can of paint… If we have a short lever, we can only just crack open the lid on the can. But if we have a longer lever, or a more dynamic question, we can open than up much wider and really stir things up… If the right question is applied, and it digs deeper enough, then we can stir up all the creative solutions”

Fran Peavey

How do you get prepared to pose powerful questions?. Do you have a list of powerful questions you use on an on? Or should you make the powerful questions every time up?

I find powerful questions to be a great tool for reflective thinking, to get my client out of the “dark place” or just to get the conversation going on. And you?

Have questions? Heb je vragen? tienes preguntas?

English text

If you have any questions regarding ICF, core competencies, Ethics code of conduct or how to choose a mentor coach please feel free to contact me by replying to this post.
I will answer your questions or put you in contact with a coach in your region.

See you

Edmée


Nederlandse tekst

Als je vragen hebt over ICF, kern competenties, gedrag's code of je zoekt een coach, laat het mij weten. Je kan dit via deze post doen. Ik zal snel antwoord geven

bedankt en tot ziens Edmée


Texto en Español

Si tienes preguntas sobre ICF, las 11 competencias, código ético o buscas un mentor coach, contactarme vía este mensaje y yo te contestare o te pondré en contacto con alguien que viva cerca de ti.

Hasta pronto

Edmée

What do I need to look for in a mentor coach?

This is a question I have been asked many times.
Don't be surprised: I have asked myself the same question.

For an ICF certification via a portfolio you need, for all 3 levels, 10 hours mentor coaching.

Why a mentor coach? and what are the qualities and what kind of programme do they offer?
In principle a mentor coach can be any coach who is active in the profession and is linked to a coaching organisation/association. It has been noted that this requirement is not a good one because the reason why a mentor coaching was added as a requisite is to support people who have not been working with an ICF accredited training school.
The 11 core competencies and codes of ethics are the corner stones of the ICF and are what makes coaching a profession. It also adds to the identify of ICF members.
Therefore new members and certified coaches need to know not only the codes of ethics and core competencies but need to understand the what I call the "building process". Each competency helps the coach create a coaching sphere and builds momentum. Only posing powerful questions is not enough. You need to active listen and know when to use direct communication before you start asking questions. But before you can start creating awareness you need to have a good trustful environment.

The good use of all core competencies will help the coach create a coaching process.

When you are in search of a good ICF mentor coach ask questions related to:

1. his/her own experience on credentialling
2. his/her understanding of the code of ethics
3. experience a coaching session and see how the 11 core competencies are applied
4. ask questions that need explanation, so you can experience how this person explains things
5. or is this person just training you?
6. ask to have a look at the written agreement and explore the different ways and levels of agreement you and the coach will be working on
7. if you have doubts ask others to help you
8. make sure the mentor coach tailor makes the programme for you!
   

I hope this helps you finding your perfect mentor coach. Please remember that the mentor coach is there to guide you and help you become a better coach, but to create good coaching sessions and or pass any of the examinations you will have to do it on your own. Discover your style and develop it using the core competencies and codes of ethics and I am sure you will be doing more than just fine!

Edmée