Why Great Coaches Ask More Than They Answer | EP 258

When a client brings you a problem, it can be tempting to start looking for the answer. But sometimes the most helpful thing a coach can do is ask a question that helps the client keep thinking. Maria and Cody explore the difference between questions that move a conversation forward and questions that quietly put all of the work back on the coach. They look at some questions coaches use almost automatically—like “Did I get that right?”, “Is it possible that…?”, and even “Tell me more”—and consider how small changes in language can create more room for the client to reflect, explain, and discover what may actually be happening. The conversation also gets into why the details of a client’s story aren’t always the most important thing to pursue, how open-ended questions can help uncover the themes underneath the story, and why asking good questions is a skill that gets better with practice. You don’t need a perfectly scripted list of coaching questions. But becoming more intentional about what you ask—and noticing when you’re doing more of the thinking than the client—is one of the ways we become better coaches. 🎧 Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode If this conversation has you thinking about the questions you ask in your own coaching sessions, here are a few ways we can support you. Start with THE Financial Coaches Network, our space for coaches to connect, ask questions, and keep growing alongside others who understand the work. If you’re looking for a clearer path to build your coaching practice, take a look at Getting Started as a Financial Coach. You can also join our free Facebook group, THE Financial Coaches Community, to connect with other coaches, ask questions, and be part of the conversation. If you’d like to talk through where you are or what your next step might be, you can schedule a call with us here. Have a question for the podcast? Email us at [email protected]. Music by Summer School. Follow us on social: @newmoneyhabits | @sizemorefinancialcoaching