Powerful Questioning to Unlock Insights
Let me share something that happened with a client recently (names changed for privacy, of course). Sarah was convinced she was “stuck” in her career, using that word repeatedly. Instead of giving advice, I asked her, “If your career was a pair of shoes, what kind would it be right now?” She laughed and said, “It’s like wearing my old running shoes to a fancy restaurant – functional but totally wrong for where I want to be.”
That simple question shifted everything. Suddenly, she could see that her skills (like those comfy shoes) weren’t the problem – she was just using them in the wrong setting.
“The right question isn’t about getting an answer – it’s about changing how you see everything.”
That’s what great coaches do. They’re like master key makers, crafting questions that unlock doors in your mind you didn’t even know existed. Not those surface-level “what do you want to do?” questions, but deeper ones that make you sit back and go “Hmmm… I never thought about it that way.”
Goal-Setting for Measurable Progress
Think of a great coach like a GPS for your dreams. Sure, you could just start driving and hope you reach your destination, but isn’t it better to have turn-by-turn directions? My ex-husband needed this but wouldn’t admit to it. 😏 Here’s the thing, though – unlike your phone’s GPS, a coach doesn’t just give you one route. They help you explore different paths, warning you about potential traffic jams (challenges), and helping you find scenic routes you might enjoy along the way.
Knowing the way the mind works and the research and study of shifting the mindset does help in sharing a shortcut. That’s what I do with my clients. Teaching techniques that they can use for any situation is a total game-changer.
I work with a lot of clients who say they want to “be more confident.” Pretty vague, right? Through our conversations, we broke this down into what I call “breadcrumb goals” – small, tasty bits that lead you to the bigger prize.
I’m thinking of one particular client, it started with speaking up in one meeting per week. Then it grew to leading a project she’d been avoiding. Each small win became a building block for that bigger goal.
Confidence isn’t a feeling, it’s a practice.
Adaptability in Coaching Techniques
One thing about me you’ll learn if you work with me, I love using analogies. I find that it builds a picture in my client’s minds. Here’s a fun analogy: Great coaches are like those amazing chefs on cooking shows who can create a gourmet meal from whatever ingredients are in the mystery basket. They don’t stick rigidly to one recipe or approach.
Some clients need a gentle nudge, like a soft whisper saying “you’ve got this.” Others thrive with a more direct “let’s cut to the chase” style. The magic happens when a coach can dance between these approaches, reading what you need in the moment.
This is one of my superpowers.
Setting and Maintaining Healthy Boundaries
Let’s talk about boundaries for a second. Imagine you’re planning a garden (stay with me here!). You wouldn’t plant delicate flowers right next to aggressive vines that might overtake them, right? Boundaries in coaching work the same way. They create the space where growth can happen safely.
A great coach shows you how to install these invisible fences in your life – not walls that keep good things out, but clear markers that help good things flourish. They practice what they preach too. If they say a session is 60 minutes, it’s 60 minutes. If they don’t do emergency calls on weekends, they’ll tell you upfront. It’s like they’re giving you a master class in boundary-setting just by being themselves.
How to Know You’ve Found the Right Coach
When these qualities and skills come together in a coach who resonates with you, magic happens. Look for someone who:
- Makes you feel both comfortable and gently challenged
- Demonstrates these qualities in your initial consultation
- Clearly explains their coaching process
- Feels like a partner in your journey, not a superior
Ready to explore what working with a coach might look like for you? Let’s have a conversation about your goals and how coaching could support your journey.
