The Problem [Gap between Current and Desired State]
How do you know that there is a problem here? [E/S] [I/S]
To what extent do other people see this as a problem? If they don’t, why don’t they? [E/S] [I/H]
How long has this problem existed? How big is it? Is there any pattern associated with its increase or decrease in magnitude? [E/H] [I/S]
What are the primary causes of the problem? What is different when the problem does and does not exist? What remains the same whether or not the problem exists? [E/H] [I/S]
Who benefits from the continuing existence of the problem? In what ways do you benefit (even indirectly) from the continuing existence of this problem? [E/S] [I/H]
What will you miss if and when this problem is resolved? [E/H] [I/S]
The coaching process should then shift toward uncovering solutions. This uncovering process may occur while the problem is being described and explored—or it may even precede the exploration of the problem. It is not for the reflective coach to control the flow of the clearness process. Rather, the reflective coach continues asking questions that move with rather than impede the client’s own “natural” way of exploring the problem.
The Domain of Ideas [Solution(s): Closing Gap between Current and Desired State]
When exploring solutions to the client’s problem (or your own problem when self-coaching), the coach and client move into a third domain: the domain of ideas. One or more of the following questions may be appropriate to ask:
What have you already tried to do to solve this problem? And what did you learn from these efforts? [E/H] [I/H]
What actions have you taken that somehow reduced the scope or impact of the problem, even if this action was not intended to address this problem? What did you learn from this serendipitous impact? [E/S] [I/H]
How might other people help you solve this problem, especially those who have not previously been involved with this problem? What other resources that have not previously been used might you direct to this problem? [E/S] [I/H]
What would happen if you just ignored this problem? What would happen if you devoted all your time and resources to solving this problem? [E/H] [I/S]
What is the most unusual idea that you have about solving this problem? What solutions have you dreamed of or thought about at a moment when you were particularly tired or frustrated? [E/H] [I/S]
What would you do if you had much more time to solve this problem? [E/S] [I/H]
What would you do if you had very little time to solve this problem? [E/S] [I/H]
If you were “king” or “queen,” what solution(s) would you impose to solve this problem? If you were a “fool” or had nothing to lose in trying something out, what would you do in attempting to solve this problem? [E/S] [I/S]
