Why? Why? Why? Okay, how?

Learn to Know Being CURIOUS is useful.

This blog is not about the three year old asking, "Why?" Being curious about powerful questions led to more research than I could have ever imagined. I was able to narrow down a few things that could support my coaching. I honed my research around the art of approach and process when inquiring. As a coach, I know that questioning is very effective. How does approach and process of curiosity play into the response given? 

As a Professional Coach, questions lead the session. We allow the responsibility of behavior and choices be given to the rightful owner. The type of questions that support successful coaching sessions are genuine, objective, and foster discovery.  The types of questions I am referring to comes from a place of learning. When we inquire to understand the strategies and possibilities of our actions and behaviors, learning evolves and growth is fostered for a better well-being. These types of questions are: innovative, build critical thinking,collaborative, build trust, clarify communication, give a sense of win/win, support belonging, and/or spark solutions.

When leaders lead with curiosity they foster development and belonging. I had the privilege, a few months ago, to hear a CEO speak to a group of rising leaders. The collaborative language he used throughout his speech was inspiring. It was completely off the cuff and interactive. His foundation of improv skills shined bright. He used the tactic of powerful questions allowing these rising leaders to think about strategies and possibilities for their organization. He foster their sense of belonging through having an interactive dialog which added content to the speech he was giving. His approach not only created loyalty to what they were thinking, it heightened their sense of value to their organization because he wanted to know what they were experiencing through their lens which would support informing his communication to them. It was like being placed in a room during mutual discovery. He was curious about their mindset and they were open to adding value to his speech. As an observer, I was excited to watch the dynamics in the room.

What types of leaders inspire you?

What challenges do leaders face with communication? 

What encourages leaders to seek organizational awareness? 

Identify characteristics that create good leaders and retain talent.

Think about these questions and the approach used in this example for creating effective communication.

So how do you approach those you are leading?

To what percentage are you Telling? -Advising? -Teaching? -Questioning?

What are ways that curosity can be beneficial?

In what ways do you inspire your direct reports?

What are you finding challenging that can be posed as a question to create understanding?

How are you encouraging others that echoes trust, belonging, respect, and accountability?