Knowing the right answers has probably gotten you to some pretty good places… in school, it was good grades. In your career, it’s often more responsibility, promotions or praise. But there’s a skill I want to share that’s even better than knowing the answers – and long term, it’ll take you further.

This is session five of a five-part video series on coaching yourself through your challenges and opportunities. I’ve been getting questions from some of you and this week I was asked:

“I heard you speak recently about coaching yourself and others by asking powerful questions. You said we often know the answers deep down, but we don’t pause to ask the kinds of questions that will uncover those answers. What are your three favorite coaching questions for helping anyone overcome a challenge?”

You’re right. I’m all about asking powerful questions or PQs as I like to call them. I learned that habit from coaching and I teach that habit to the coaches and leaders who go through our training programs at the CaPP Institute.

It’s hard for me to choose just three, but here goes …

• What is the opportunity in this challenge?
• What options haven’t I considered?
• If I had all the courage I needed in this situation, what would I do?

Coaching moves you from where you are to where you really want to be and helps you navigate the challenges and obstacles along the way. One of the best tools of coaching is the powerful question. I just gave you a couple examples of my favorite PQ’s.

Now, if you’ve ever pondered the idea of coaching yourself or wonder how to increase your skills as a leader, business owner, parent… check out the Coach Training Intensive (CTI). We have a live, virtual CTI happening as you read this, but there is another one right around the corner. The next CTI is in June and registration opens soon! I look forward to seeing you there, and until then, coach yourself through your challenges!