Coaching requires a curious mind, and active listening. I've compiled a list of the best questions to support your coaching conversations.
Goal Stage
- What is the ultimate outcome you want to achieve?
- What specific milestones do you want to reach along the way?
- How will you know when you’ve achieved your goal?
- How does this goal align with your broader life or career objectives?
- What would be the first sign that you’re on the right track?
- What personal values does this goal reflect?
- How will achieving this goal change your life or work situation?
- What will achieving this goal enable you to do that you can’t do now?
- Who else will benefit from you achieving this goal?
- What smaller goals or sub-goals do you need to accomplish first?
- How urgent is this goal?
- What sacrifices might you need to make to achieve this goal?
- What resources will you need to accomplish this goal?
- What might happen if you don’t achieve this goal?
- What is your level of commitment to this goal?
- How does this goal fit into your long-term plans?
- What are the potential risks associated with this goal?
- What makes this goal realistic and achievable for you?
- How will you prioritise this goal among other responsibilities?
- What steps can you take to make this goal more specific?
- What criteria will you use to measure your success?
- How will you handle setbacks or obstacles along the way?
- What skills or knowledge do you need to develop to achieve this goal?
- What previous experiences can help you with this goal?
- How will achieving this goal impact your confidence and motivation?
Reality Stage
- Where are you now in relation to your goal?
- What progress have you made so far?
- What challenges or obstacles are you currently facing?
- What resources do you have available to help you achieve your goal?
- How do you feel about your current situation?
- What is holding you back from progressing further?
- What have you tried so far to achieve your goal?
- How do your current skills and knowledge align with your goal?
- What feedback have you received about your progress?
- What patterns or trends do you notice in your current performance?
- What assumptions are you making about your current situation?
- What internal and external factors are influencing your current reality?
- What are your strengths that can help you achieve your goal?
- What areas do you need to improve to reach your goal?
- How are your current habits and routines affecting your progress?
- What support systems do you have in place?
- How does your current mindset impact your ability to achieve your goal?
- What recent successes can you build on?
- What resources do you lack that are necessary for your goal?
- How are you managing your time and priorities?
- What is the biggest challenge you face right now?
- How do you typically respond to setbacks or challenges?
- What opportunities are available to you right now?
- How do your current actions align with your goal?
- What is the impact of your current situation on your motivation and confidence?
Options Stage
- What are the possible ways you could achieve your goal?
- What options have you not yet considered?
- What could you do differently to move closer to your goal?
- What are the pros and cons of each option?
- Who could support you in achieving your goal?
- What resources or tools do you need to explore your options?
- How could you overcome the obstacles you identified?
- What would be the most effective first step?
- What are some creative or unconventional approaches you could try?
- What past successes can you draw upon to inform your options?
- What are the short-term and long-term impacts of each option?
- How can you leverage your strengths in each option?
- What would you do if there were no limitations?
- What advice would you give to someone else in your situation?
- What are the potential risks and how can you mitigate them?
- How do your options align with your values and priorities?
- What are the costs (time, money, effort) associated with each option?
- What is the easiest option to implement?
- How do each of the options fit into your long-term plans?
- What would happen if you chose not to act on any of the options?
- Which option excites you the most and why?
- How can you test or pilot one of your options?
- What are the potential barriers to each option and how can you overcome them?
- What option would give you the quickest results?
- How do your options align with the resources you have available?
Will Stage
- What actions will you take to achieve your goal?
- When will you start taking these actions?
- What is the first step you need to take?
- How will you stay motivated and committed to your plan?
- What obstacles might you encounter, and how will you address them?
- How will you track your progress and stay accountable?
- Who can help you stay on track and provide support?
- How will you celebrate milestones and successes along the way?
- What will you do if you encounter setbacks?
- How will you ensure that your actions align with your overall goal?
- What resources or support do you need to implement your plan?
- How will you measure your progress and success?
- What specific actions will you take this week/month?
- How will you adapt your plan if circumstances change?
- What commitment are you making to yourself?
- What could derail your progress and how will you handle it?
- What is your contingency plan for unexpected challenges?
- How will you maintain focus on your goal amidst other responsibilities?
- How will you know if your plan is working or if adjustments are needed?
- What can you do to keep your energy and motivation high?
- How will you integrate new habits or routines to support your goal?
- What is your deadline for achieving each milestone?
- How will you involve others in your plan to ensure success?
- What steps can you take to make your action plan more realistic?
- How will you review and reflect on your progress regularly?
