I got this email this morning from a coach–Jonathan Wright of Wichita, KS (@jonathanwwright) we trained a couple summers ago.
“Seriously…a few weeks ago while coaching someone I thought to ask… “What if you could have a beer with Jesus?” (There was a context for this.) I was surprised at the new line of thought that this prompted. I’ve used it twice since then with additional success. It was especially handy when they felt or it appeared they were at the end of new thought, kinda stuck in a box of reason, mixed things up a little. Thought I’d share.”
This can be really helpful observation. If you got a client who’s stuck or having a hard time coming up with new thoughts, a wacky, out-there question can be just the thing. The goofy question disarms the client in a fun way, and new breakthroughs can happen as a result. What’s the strangest question you’ve ever asked–as a coach? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
Ok, now for a moment of shameless, self-promotion. Jonathan Wright added “FYI though, it is not original with me it comes from a country song. I gotta tell you for what I do in the kingdom the coaching skills I am learning are HUGE for those I have the opportunity to influence. CoachNet is a blessing!”