ABOUT THIS EPISODE
“What do you think I should do?” It sounds like such asimple question, but for a coach, it can open up a whole lot more. Do you give your opinion? Ask another question? Toss it right back to them with, “Well, what do YOU think you should do?” and hope for the best?
In today’s episode, Michelle explores what happens when thisquestion meets the Structured Coach. Protecting someone’s ownership of their decisions matters, but coaching isn’t simply about following the rule that good coaches never give advice. Sometimes the more important question is what the person is really asking for. Do they want an answer, another perspective, reassurance, permission, or simply help thinking through something that feels too close to see clearly? Before we respond, we may need to get curious about the need underneath the question.
Questions or comments? I’d love to hear from you!
Michelle@GrowBy1.com
Reflection Questions
What happens inside me when someone I am coaching asks,“What do you think I should do?”
Do I have a tendency to give advice too quickly, or do Ibecome so committed to not giving advice that I miss what the person actually needs?
What might someone really be asking for when they ask mewhat I think they should do?
How could asking, “What would be most helpful about hearing my thoughts?” change the direction of a coaching conversation?
How can I protect someone’s ownership, awareness,responsibility, and agency while still being fully present and helpful?
