Coach's Guide to Reflective Inquiry

From a founding member of the coaching movement comes a detailed guide to mastering one of a coach's toughest skills: thoughtfully reflecting clients' stated goals and beliefs back to them so they see themselves through new eyes.

"Coaches rely far too much on asking questions," says Marcia Reynolds. There are several critical aspects of good coaching, and one in particular is often overlooked: the reflective process. Hearing our own words spoken aloud by someone else prompts us to explore if our ideas truly align with our core values and beliefs. It is even more powerful than finding that one magical question. This book will break the reader out of the cult of the powerful question by offering seven essential practices of reflective inquiry: focus on the human, not the problem; summarize what is heard and expressed; notice shifts in emotions; identify underlying beliefs and assumptions; unwrap the desired outcome; keep the conversation on track; and articulate insights and commitments. The utilization of these practices, combined with a respectful and caring presence, helps to create a space where clients feel safe, seen, and valued for who they are, allowing them to naturally dive deeper within.