Six Question Coaching Model

Questions you can ask your subordinates that lead to better relations and performance

The questions come from the article by Dr. Marshall Goldsmith: 6 Questions for Better Rapport in Enhancing Staff Relationships

1. Where are we going?

   First outline where the organisation is going in terms of vision, goals and priorities. Then ask your direct report what they think about the vision of the organisation.

2. Where are you going?

   This deals with the direct reports' vision, goals and priorities for their part of their organisation. Ask you staff member to discuss where their part in the organisation is going. Give your view of where they think the organisation should be going and see if your two views can be aligned. You don’t have to agree with everything.

3. What is going well?

   One key element of effective coaching is providing positive recognition for achievement. Ask your team member, "What do you think you and your team are doing well?"

4. What are key suggestions for improvement?

   Ask the team member what things they can improve on. After you hear their feedback, give your honest and constructive feedback.

5. How can I help?

   One of the greatest coaching questions you can ask is, "How can I help?" Listen openly to the team member’s answer and ask more questions to make sure the help you provide what is most needed.

6. What suggestions do you have for me?

   Extensive research shows that leaders that ask for suggestions from their direct reports, work on improving 1-2 key behaviours, and follow-up on a quarterly basis - are almost always seen as dramatically increasing in leadership effectiveness.

The Six-Question approach creates a two-way dialogue that focuses on, "Let's try to help each other." Direct reports are much more willing to be coached by line managers, if the line managers are willing to be coached by them!