Enjoy our most recent public open house and masterclass, in this case covering the foundational executive coaching conversation that we call Active Inquiry. If you like our approach, please join one of our training and certification programs:

• Join our next 3-day seminar. All seminars are virtual.
• Enroll in our distance learning program anytime. It includes live webinars and our massive member area.
• Add the ICF training now or anytime! Our programs our modular so that you can join now if you know you want an ICF designation, or you can wait until you are sure and add it at no penalty to you.

As always, reach out anytime for more information and to discuss mutual fit: andrewneitlich@centerforexecutivecoaching.com . Do other major executive coaching certification programs let you speak directly with the Founder and Director of the program?

Following is a quick overview of the foundational executive coaching conversation, which we call active inquiry:

• There are four steps in a typical coaching session that uses active inquiry:
  • Always define what values matter for the client.
  • Explain what active inquiry is.
  • Conduct active inquiry.
  • Close strong
    • Insights?
    • Value?
• During sessions it is also effective to check in from time to time, ask what insights the client has had (if any) and actions they might take, and ask them where they want to go from here
• Good coaching questions often have the following attributes:
  • • Focused on the future and what the client doesn’t already know
    • Open-ended (What, Who, Where, When, How)
    • High-level questions are often the most powerful, even if they seem simpler
• One effective way to start a coaching session is with what we call the 1-2-3 punch:
  • • One: What would make this session great?
    • Two: What is the ideal outcome of the situation?
    • Three: What are your ideas to get there?
• When can a coach give advice?
  • • When there is only one straight forward answer
    • Try to deflect and let the client answer
    • Example: “I have a few ideas but what do you think?”
    • As a way to brainstorm with the client when appropriate
    • Suggestion: Read the book the Advice Trap to see the pitfalls and risks of giving too much advice when coaching