One question that keeps coaches up at night is, “am I really going to deliver results?”
This is the question that stands between so many great coaches and earning the premium their work is worth. It’s the question that threatens their alignment.
But what if we told you that with a handful of simple but totally life changing coaching questions, coaches can find their alignment and begin earning the premium they deserve?
It’s a bold claim! But Geeta Nadkarni backs it up. Geeta says,
“Quite frankly, if you’re a coach, and you’re not asking deep enough questions, the problem is that your clients, in their pain, in their confusion, in their grief, might actually lead you to the wrong problem which will then have you spending all your time and energy fixing the wrong thing which then doesn’t get them results, erodes your confidence and womp, womp, right?”
So what do you ask? What are the questions?!
To avoid spending too much time on the wrong problem, ask these incredibly simple, yet deep questions that Geeta has used over the years as she has grown her 7 figure plus coaching business to what it is today. Read on to learn how she breaks down the process of how to ask deep, meaningful questions that will get the results you and your client want!
1. What is the problem?
The first question is “what is the problem?”
Identifying the problem starts with asking “What?”.
Full disclosure, these questions will seem so simple, almost stupid. But that’s exactly why they work so well.
The first step is identifying the problem. Start with “What?” and then listen very, very carefully.
You want to listen for the facts and context, of course, but also for the emotion. If your client is dysregulated emotionally or physiologically, they need to become regulated for their thoughts and concerns to become clear. Take it slow, so they can move through the physiological process of regulation.
You want to be listening for emotion and for contradictions. Notice when someone who has a lot of options acts like they don’t have any. This is totally normal, but a big reason coaches can become stuck. It’s easy to over learn negative things and underlearn positive things— it’s normal, but once you can identify the contradictions, you can move past it.
Take it slow. Walk with your client through specific actions they can take. Listen for the specifics, so you can coach effectively. Listen for the context before offering any specific tactical coaching. Once the “what” is identified, you’re on the road to solving the deeper issues in play.
2. Why is the problem the problem?
The second question is “Why is the problem the problem?”
Once your client has identified the problem, don’t be fooled by the obvious. The obvious is the costume— the smoke screen. You often still don’t know what the true problem is.
When you ask a question with genuine energy and curiosity, even the simplest question can lead to an “aha” moment. Questions that may seem stupid at first glace actually serve to slow down our thinking. This slowing down aids regulation in your client and in you, the coach. Remember, your level of emotional regulation is contagious, resulting in greater regulation for your client, too! So stay regulated within yourself to be equipped to guide your client to regulation, too. It’s win/win.
Gently dig for details. How is this affecting how they show up in the world. Often they have not connected the dots. “What is actually going on?” often the subconscious pattern surfaces. Asking the right questions will help you solve the right problems.
3. What is your evidence for this?
The third question is “What is your evidence for this?”
When working with clients, take care not to take their word for the problem too quickly, as people often amplify their own confusion. It’s possible that they haven’t identified the right issue yet. Slow them down and help them question their own assumptions. A client who is convinced he needs a larger audience of potential clients may actually need to refine his messaging instead.
Find evidence in measurable results and metrics, and look for different ways success will manifest for clients. Once you gather the metrics and your client agrees, go after as many as possible. Build momentum through victories large and small.
As you approach your coaching clients, take the time to slow down and ask these simple but powerful questions. You’ll soon find yourself coaching them into more clarity and confidence. Deliver results to your coaching clients with these simple questions by Geeta Nadkarni.
Would you like more life changing coaching questions for your coaching business?
If this content resonates with you, be sure to reach out and request the remaining two questions _________ (here) to level up your coaching services. And, remember: slow down. Ask simple questions that may seem obvious. Maintain confidence in your ability to help your client move toward their own “aha” moment. Soon you and your coaching clients will be leveling up!
If you loved these 3 questions and want to integrate them better (or if you’re a more visual or auditory learner) we highly recommend watching the video Geeta made about them and sticking around till the end where she has a couple of hidden (free) goodies to offer.
