Coaching questions

The power of a great coach is their ability to ask the right question at the right time. Take a moment to read the list of example questions taken from the eFIRE quick reference guide. Note how they differ in each mode of the eFIRE coaching framework. These questions are provided as a prompt or starting point for understanding how to frame and conduct coaching conversations. That is, coaching is not a prescriptive formula, and instead is an approach that should be tailored to the specific circumstances you face in any given conversation. Don't be afraid to modify the questions to suit your coachee and their situation, and remember you can adapt questions as the conversation unfolds. Once you're familiar with the intent of each mode and are comfortable applying the eFIRE model, you will know instinctively what to ask and add questions of your own to the different modes of conversation.

Frame

• What would you like to think about in this conversation?
• What is important about this right now?
• If you got exactly what you want, what would that look like?
• If you achieved success, what would others notice?

Inquire

• What's happening now that is related to this issue?
• What are your strengths/opportunities that help to achieve success?
• How are you currently approaching things - what's working and what isn't?
• What are the unexpected things that are happening?

Energy

• What is exciting about this?
• Why is this important to you right now?
• What does a great day at work look like?
• If you achieved success and were having fun, what would that mean?

Experiment and execute

• Who is going to do what?
• What might be the obstacles in your way?
• Which way forward is the most exciting?
• What specific steps come next?
• How could you test out and experiment some options?

Reflect

• What are all of the possibilities you can think of?
• What strengths of yours will help you?
• What are some radical or unexpected options that might help?
• If there were no constraints, what would you do?