Coaching Tip #7--Simple But Effective Evaluation/Diagnostic Questions
As we coach our leader, it is often helpful to remember some very simple but effective diagnostic/evaluation questions before we begin an event, when we are “stuck” or when we want to review our progress. Here are a few:
“Before You Begin” Questions
- What are the “big rocks” (priorities) that we must address first?
- What are we trying to do? What’s our goal? What is a “win” for us?
- Who else do we need to hear from…who else needs to be involved…do we have the right people in the right places for the right reasons?
- How does this fit with your V,V,M? (Vision, Values and Mission)?
“In the Midst/Getting Unstuck” Questions
- What’s working? What’s going well? Why?
- What’s not working? What’s not going well? Why?
- What’s missing?
- What’s confused? What are we not clear about?
- When where you last “clear” about this issue?
- Where does this fit into the big picture?
- How does this fit with your V,V,M? (Vision, Values and Mission)?
- What adjustments do you need to make in light of current circumstances?
The “Flip” Question to Turn Obstacles to Opportunities
We can “flip” obstacles into opportunities by asking a simple question. Ask “What if…” to each obstacle raised, such as…
What if…
- We had the money?
- They said “yes”?
- This was the right time?
“After the Event” Questions
- Let them report...help them celebrate!
- What lessons have we learned from this experience that will help us next time?
- What could/should be our next step on this issue? How can we leverage this to build momentum?
- What adjustments do you need to make in light of current circumstances?
- Was this a “win” for us…how and why?
As you work with leaders, these simple questions can yield great insights (“ah-ha or uh-oh”) and open doors for teachable moments. This helps them link specific ministry activities to the bigger picture of ministry strategy.
From: “TransforMissional Coaching” Clinic
To download a Word document of this post, click here: Coaching Tips #7 Diagnostic Q's
For more information, contact:
Dr. Tim Roehl Tim.Roehl@crmleaders.org
Dr. Steve Ogne Steve.Ogne@crmleaders.org