“If the coach and client are to become travelling companions, then the coach's questions and listening are the quality of light by which they will travel.”

The Coaching Manual
Julie Starr

Powerful questions are like points on a compass; they don’t send the client to a particular destination but they do take them in a direction that brings discoveries and possibilities. Powerful questions invite introspection, create solutions and lead to greater insight. A powerful question is like unlocking a chest full of treasure.

1. What could we work on now that would make the biggest difference?
2. What three things are you doing that do not serve or support you?
3. How could you turn this around immediately?
4. What is the value of your current attitude?
5. What is your favourite way of sabotaging yourself, and your goals?
6. What would you try now if you knew you couldn’t fail?
7. How could you make this goal more specific or measurable?
8. What is one change you could make to your work/life that would make the biggest difference?
9. What is the cost of you not doing anything about this?
10. What is it about this situation that needs to be different?

A simply worded question, delivered at the appropriate moment can shift or shape someone’s thinking dramatically.