Closed-ended questions vs Open questions #8 Coaching / Mentoring

🧘 #8 Closed vs Open Questions: Mentoring / Coaching

Closed Questions vs Open Questions #8

Mentoring / Coaching
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Closed Question 1: «Are you satisfied with your current job?»

First example of an open question ❓🤔
Which aspects of your current job give you the most satisfaction?
Second example of an open question 🗣️💭
How would you describe your relationship with your current role?
Third example of an open question 🤷\u200d♂️❓
In what way does your current job contribute to your professional goals?

Why are these open questions better?

Which aspects of your current job give you the most satisfaction?

This question invites reflection on what truly motivates the coachee. Instead of a simple yes or no, it allows exploring emotions, values, and specific aspects of the work environment that generate well-being. It’s a window to understand what drives their engagement and professional happiness.

How would you describe your relationship with your current role?

With this question, the aim is to seek a deeper connection with the coachee’s professional identity. It allows discovering whether there is alignment between the person and their position, whether they feel purpose, or if there is a disconnection that could be causing dissatisfaction. It’s key to identify possible adjustments or redirections.

In what way does your current job contribute to your professional goals?

This question evaluates the coherence between the coachee’s present and future. It helps identify whether their current job is a springboard, an obstacle, or a sticking point. It’s essential for designing development strategies that make sense in their long-term career.

Closed Question 2: «Have you thought about changing careers?»

First example of an open question ❓🤔
What other professional fields attract your attention and why?
Second example of an open question 🗣️💭
How do you envision your professional development in the coming years?
Third example of an open question 🤷\u200d♂️❓
What motivates you to consider different professional options?

Why are these open questions better?

What other professional fields attract your attention and why?

This question opens space to explore hidden interests or undeveloped passions. It allows the coachee to imagine alternatives without pressure, and for the coach to understand which values or needs are not being met in their current role. It’s a powerful tool to discover new professional directions.

How do you envision your professional development in the coming years?

With this question, the goal is to build a bridge between the present and the future. It helps identify whether the coachee has a clear vision or feels lost, and which concrete steps they can take to move forward. It’s a way to activate strategic thinking and a sense of direction.

What motivates you to consider different professional options?

This question delves into the reasons behind a possible transition. It allows distinguishing between internal motivations (growth, purpose) and external ones (pressure, dissatisfaction). It’s key to understand whether the change is a necessity or an opportunity, and how to approach it constructively.

Closed Question 3: «Do you have clear goals for this year?»

First example of an open question ❓🤔
What do you hope to achieve in your professional development this year?
Second example of an open question 🗣️💭
How do you plan to achieve your professional objectives?
Third example of an open question 🤷\u200d♂️❓
Which aspects of your career would you like to develop further?

Why are these open questions better?

What do you hope to achieve in your professional development this year?

This question invites defining realistic and meaningful expectations. It allows the coachee to think about concrete outcomes, not just activities. It’s a way to ensure that their goals are aligned with their values and have a real impact on their professional growth.

How do you plan to achieve your professional objectives?

With this question, the aim is a tangible action plan. It helps identify whether the coachee has clear strategies or needs support to structure their path. It’s essential to turn aspirations into measurable and sustainable results over time.

Which aspects of your career would you like to develop further?

This question opens the door to self-assessment. It helps identify strengths to enhance and areas for improvement. It’s a way to empower the coachee to take control of their development and seek growth opportunities aligned with their interests.

Closed Question 4: «Do you get along with your team?»

First example of an open question ❓🤔
How would you describe the dynamics with your work team?
Second example of an open question 🗣️💭
What aspects of collaboration with your team work best?
Third example of an open question 🤷\u200d♂️❓
In what way do you think you could improve relationships with your team?

Why are these open questions better?

How would you describe the dynamics with your work team?

This question allows exploring the quality of interactions. It’s not only about whether there is harmony, but how they communicate, make decisions, and resolve conflicts. It’s a way to understand the organizational climate from the coachee’s perspective and detect possible points for improvement.

What aspects of collaboration with your team work best?

With this question, the goal is to identify the team’s strengths. It allows recognizing what is working well and building on it. It’s a way to foster a culture of appreciation and continuous improvement in the workplace.

In what way do you think you could improve relationships with your team?

This question invites self-reflection and personal growth. It helps identify individual responsibilities in the team’s dynamics and foster the development of interpersonal skills. It’s key to build more effective and collaborative relationships.

Closed Question 5: «Do you need more training?»

First example of an open question ❓🤔
What areas of knowledge would you like to strengthen?
Second example of an open question 🗣️💭
How do you think you could better develop your skills?
Third example of an open question 🤷\u200d♂️❓
What type of learning do you consider most valuable for your development?

Why are these open questions better?

What areas of knowledge would you like to strengthen?

This question helps identify specific training needs. It’s not just about generic training, but concrete areas the coachee considers a priority. It’s a way to ensure professional development aligns with their interests and personal goals.

How do you think you could better develop your skills?

With this question, the aim is a practical and personalized approach. It allows exploring different learning methods and encourages the coachee’s autonomy in their development. It’s key to build a training plan that is realistic and sustainable over time.

What type of learning do you consider most valuable for your development?

This question delves into the coachee’s learning preferences and styles. It allows designing more effective and personalized training strategies. It’s a way to empower the coachee to make informed decisions about their professional growth.

🔍 Depth

Open questions allow exploring beyond the surface, revealing hidden thoughts, experiences, and skills.

🧠 Critical Thinking

They invite reflection, analysis, and structuring responses, showing how the coachee processes information and makes decisions.

💬 Communication

They reveal the ability to express oneself clearly, organize ideas, and convey messages effectively.

🌟 Authenticity

They allow the coachee to show their true self, without fitting into prefabricated answers or clichés.

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