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Could you use a little more time in your day? How about more work / life
balance? Are you interested in a little more peace in your life? If so, simply
begin to ask the right questions.
Do you have employees or co-workers who seek out your assistance with their
problems or challenges on a regular basis? If so, they are prime candidates for
problem solving skills. What questions do you typically ask when people bring
their problems to you?
Like most people, you're probably approached several times a day by peers,
co-workers, your children, employees, relatives, and even your manager who all
have an issue or a problem that they are bringing to you. Years ago I began
using a questioning technique in response to these "problem bringers," as I call them.
Whether it's a co-worker or one of my daughters who brings an issue to me, my response is often a version of:
"What ideas do you have about how to
solve that problem?" or "What have you tried?" and "What else could you do?"
Often, I'm impressed with their thoughtful responses.
In my love for observing human behavior, I've noticed many parents "take on"
their child's problem, work to solve it for them, sort out the conflict they may
be having, and jump in to make things all better. Not only do they take part in
this behavior at home, they do it at work as well. Unfortunately, this is not
the most productive approach for either child or parent, nor is it for employee
or manager, etc.
Asking your children, employees, co-workers, and yes, even your manager,
powerful and appropriate questions helps them to develop skills of
resourcefulness, problem solving, and conflict resolution. It also frees up your
time as you work to develop them instead of taking on their problems or issues
yourself, thus creating more time for the things you really want in life.
When someone brings a problem or challenge to you, think of these situations as
teaching moments. Share the questions that you'd ask yourself if you were going
to solve the problem. Your reward will be more time for the things you want in
your life like balance and peace. The people who come to you get a gift too --
growth and learning!
Coaching Challenge: The next time someone brings a problem to you, resist your
temptation to take it on and instead help them by asking powerful questions.
Coaching Inquiries: What questions could you ask when your kids, co-workers,
etc. come to you with a problem? How often do you tend to "take on" a problem
that is not yours? What problem solving skills could you share or teach to those
close to you?
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Coaching programs and to arrange for a complimentary coaching session, use our
Contact Form.
May you be filled with goodness, peace, and joy.
Christina Lombardo Ray, PCC, CPCC (Christina@LifeTrekCoaching.com)
LifeTrek Coaching International
Columbus, OH
U.S.A.
Telephone: 614-332-9747
Fax: 415-634-2301
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