Ask questions that challenge assumptions and beliefs from "summary" of Coaching Questions by Tony Stoltzfus
When you are engaging with someone in a coaching conversation, it can be incredibly powerful to ask questions that challenge their assumptions and beliefs. This type of questioning can help the person you are coaching to see things from a different perspective, to question their own thinking, and to potentially unearth new insights or solutions.
When you challenge someone's assumptions and beliefs, you are essentially asking them to step outside of their comfort zone, to consider the possibility that their current way of thinking may not be serving them as well as they had thought. This can be uncomfortable for some people, as it requires them to confront the possibility that they may be wrong or misguided in some way. However, this discomfort can also be incredibly productive, as it can lead to growth, learning, and positive change.
As a coach, it is important to approach this type of questioning with a sense of curiosity and openness. You are not trying to prove the person wrong or to push your own agenda; rather, you are inviting them to explore new possibilities, to think critically about their own assumptions, and to consider alternative viewpoints. This requires a certain level of humility and empathy on your part, as you are essentially saying to the person you are coaching, "I don't have all the answers, and neither do you. Let's explore together."
One way to effectively challenge someone's assumptions and beliefs is to ask questions that encourage them to consider the underlying reasons behind their thinking. For example, you might ask, "What led you to believe that?" or "What evidence do you have to support that assumption?" These types of questions can help the person you are coaching to reflect on the origins of their beliefs, to consider whether those beliefs are based on facts or opinions, and to evaluate the validity of their own reasoning.
Another approach is to ask questions that invite the person you are coaching to consider alternative perspectives. For example, you might ask, "How might someone else see this situation?" or "What other possibilities have you considered?" These types of questions can help to broaden the person's thinking, to challenge their preconceived notions, and to open their mind to new ways of seeing the world.Asking questions that challenge assumptions and beliefs is about fostering a spirit of inquiry, curiosity, and critical thinking. It is about encouraging the person you are coaching to engage with their own thinking in a deeper, more reflective way, and to be open to the possibility that there may be more than one "right" answer. By approaching this
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