Coaching “Safety Net” Questions – For When Your Mind Goes Blank

by Barbra on April 28, 2009

Click here to listen to the audio

Have you ever had the experience of “going blank” while coaching? You know, it’s your turn to speak and your mind freezes?

It happens to all of us from time to time. When it happens to me, I fall back on what I call my “safety net” questions. These are questions that work in pretty much any circumstance.

Using a safety net question helps the flow of the coaching conversation, takes the pressure off the coach and puts the focus back where it belongs – on the client (as opposed to on ourselves and “what do I say next?”)

Here are my favorite safety net questions:

1. Tell me more about that.
2. I hear ______ in your voice.
3. Why is that important to you?

In the audio above, BACC member Jan and I did a demo using the safety net questions, and it became clear that these questions really work!

Related posts:

  1. Sample Questions from IAC Step 1 Exam
  2. CCEC Coaching Model
  3. Will the Coaching by Example CDs Help You Pass the Test?
  4. Feedback Template for Coaching Triads
  5. How to Coach on Life Purpose

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