The Power of Powerful Questions
by Kathy Kee and Vicky Dearing

School leaders know that in order to achieve extraordinary results they must help others improve their own thinking.  This is why today more than ever before, school leaders are adopting coach-like behaviors as they interact with staff, parents and students.  They are becoming Results Coaches.

In order to help others improve their thinking, Results Coaches know that asking powerful questions seems to epitomize what really good coaches do. By offering up guiding questions that provide that mental release of energy or an “Aha” moment, greater clarity, deeper connections, a shift in perspective and new insights are much more likely to occur.

It's not about telling the other person what you think he should do, it’s about helping that person open up his own thinking so that he has new clarity or insight about the actions he wants to take. 

So, how do we, as school leaders, ask those powerful questions?  Is there a list of questions that we should have ready to use at any given time? 

While having some sample questions available may be helpful, it’s most important to understand that powerful questions come from within a person when she is fully present with another, when she has fully listened and when she is completely engaged in the conversation.  And, when it’s time to pull forth that powerful question, Results Coaches offer them based on 5 guiding principles. 

Powerful questions:

1. Assume positive intent on behalf of the other person.  He has the answer inside waiting to come forward.  Our role is to help him think and make his own connections.
2. Focus on solutions rather than on problems. Solution thinking brings new insights in a more productive and expeditious manner.
3. Invite vision thinking by asking “how” and “what” questions.  For instance, we might ask a school leader, ““What will your school look like when you have achieved your goals?  What will people be doing?  What will people be saying?  How will your leadership style positively impact others?”
4. Focus on positive connections (for all involved).  “What has worked well for you in the past when you have dealt with a similar dilemma, challenge, or opportunity?”  Or, “If you were the parent, how would you want this situation to be handled?”
5. Incorporate specific action steps.  “What is the most important step you want to take first?” Or, “When do you plan to hold the meeting with the parent and what are the 3 key points you want to include in the discussion so that there is a strong commitment of support between you and the parent?”

Next month’s newsletter article will continue our focus on powerful questioning.  Additionally, our CSR seminars provide comprehensive training and practice on ways to intentionally transform our behaviors into that of a Results Coach which includes asking powerful questions.  Join us for both!

Kathy Kee is a professional coach and consultant, “rehired” after 38 years in education.  As an Assistant Superintendent, Kathy led her Texas district to the highest ranking of Exemplary by coaching and supporting her school leaders and teachers to their very best results.  She is the past President of NSDC and TSDC and currently serves as Co-director of Teaching and Learning for Coaching School Results. 

Vicky Dearing is a certified coach with over 30 years of experience in public education. She is a former teacher, central office administrator and principal of two Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence.  She brings a corporate perspective to her coaching, having served as a Senior Vice President of Training and Implementation for a national education company.  Vicky currently serves as the Director of Marketing for Coaching School Results.

To find out more about both Kathy and Vicky and all of our coaches, go to www.coachingschoolresults and click on “coaches.”

*Leaders can learn more about the coaching process and extend skills to implement coaching by attending one of our upcoming seminars. See details below.

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For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips speak only words of kindness!
- Audrey Hepburn

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Newsletter Editor & E-News Contact, Vicky Dearing
vicky@coachingschoolresults.com
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