As experienced hiring managers and coaches for FirstGen Ahead, we have a lot advice to give our college juniors. Before giving advice, however, Michael Bungay Stanier, author of The Coaching Habit recommends saying less and asking more. This can change the way we lead, whether it’s at an organizational or individual level. Of course, multiple questions at a time shouldn’t be asked nor should questions be asked in an interrogation kind of way. Here are some of his top questions to ask, which are supported by research, that seem particularly helpful for coaching FirstGen Ahead students: 1) What’s on your mind? It’s a question that says “Let’s talk about what now matters most to you.” 2) And what else? It’s important not to assume the first answer is the only answer or the best answer. By asking this question again, it can uncover and create new possibilities while slowing down the natural desire to give advice. 3) What’s the real challenge for you? This question helps focus on the real problem and not the first problem. 4) What was most useful to you? By asking this question, it forces the student and coach to extract the value from the conversation that leads to remembering and learning. There are other useful nuggets in The Coaching Habit, a hands-on and easy-to-read book.
