One of the things coaches least like to do is take stock of how well they are doing in their coaching relationships. The very line of inquiry is a risk because it puts us in a vulnerable position. After all, people would tell us if something was wrong, wouldn’t they? Or we’d sense it, wouldn’t we? Probably best to just continue along a smooth path without throwing potential barriers in our own way.
Yet by having the courage to ask the hard questions—the ones we may not like the answers to—we can model precisely the kinds of qualities we are helping to develop in those we are coaching. Those qualities include courage, resilience, a commitment to doing your best, and a reliance on God for our self-esteem rather than others.
Are you willing to take the risk?
Here are some good questions you can ask. Note that none of these questions have pre-conceived answers or lead people toward particular conclusions. The goal is to foster honest communication. You should take the posture of listening with an open mind to whatever the Spirit might be communicating. The result will be stronger and more effective coaching relationships.
- What progress have you made through our coaching relationship so far?
- What am I doing (or not doing) that is helpful to you?
- What do you wish I would do more often?
- What changes might be helpful?
- What direction are you sensing God would have us go next?
Formal Coach Assessment
There is no better tool to help you raise your effectiveness as a coach than the 360° Christian Coach Assessment. It measures your coaching in 9 competencies and 55 behavioral expressions and identifies areas of strength and for development. Your report will direct you to resources and exercises that will help make you a better coach. Learn more HERE.
Cover Photo by janilson furtado on Unsplash
Photo by chris robert on Unsplash