What are some conversational models of coaching questions?

Coaching funnel

Step 1: Goal

A one-sentence objective following S.M.A.R.T. goals.

Example: "In a month or three months or a year - whatever time frame you want to work in - what change do you want to have made?"

Step 2: Exploration

Typically uses probing questions to determine what led to a particular situation.

Example: "Give me some background: what led up to your being in this situation?"

Step 3: Options

This process allows the coachee to determine multiple possible solutions, often getting creative when they must think beyond the box.

Example: "You mentioned earlier that _________. Does that suggest any other ways you could approach this?"

Step 4: Decision

The "could do/want to/will do" framework works to help the coachee choose an option, with a focus on "could do".

Example: "Which of these options will most effectively move you toward your goal?"

Step 5: Action

Finally, clear and concrete steps to implement an action plan are put in place.

Example: "Let's turn that into an action step: what exactly will you do?"

(Stoltzfus, 2008, pp. 30-31)