Coaching Toolkit for Child Welfare

Chapter 4: Capacity Building 83

Methods of Questioning

By asking good questions, coaches steer learners toward reflection,
envisioning the future, brainstorming solutions, and transformative
learning. Coaches facilitate the learning process not by giving
learners the answer, but by helping guide them in the direction of
self-learning.

A question not asked is a door not

opened

~ Marilee Goldberg, 1999

There are a variety of questions coaches may ask learners,
depending upon the stage and purpose of the coaching conversation
(see Table 4.5). The following list is not exhaustive, and coaches
should use this list to adapt or create new questions

Table Brown, J., Isaacs, D., 2003,4.5. Questions to generate conversation based on purpose. ( and Santone, 2000) Adapted with permission from Vogt, E.,

Desired outcome Helpful questions

Create purpose for

coaching session

 Tell a story about the most energizing moment of

your professional life and your profession. What

made it possible? What were the circumstances?

 Without being humble, describe what you value

the most about yourself and your profession.

 Describe how you stay professionally affirmed,