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, particularly if we are coaching under challenging circumstances (such as being evaluated in an exam or training class). 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 the c0ach 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?
Listen to this audio that demonstrates the safety net technique in action – I think you’ll agree that these coaching questions really work!
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That moment when you almost lose it and don’t know what to say to the client can be really scary. I love the question “Tell me more about that” and have also found “Well what are your options here”, a great filler for getting them to think and talk whilst you gather thoughts together and getting back on track.
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