To get more done, in less time. There are five specific skill sets required to be an effective coach. As we examine each of them, take stock of your own aptitude in each of these areas. In your role as a coach, one of your most important tasks is to ask questions that cause others to consider possibilities they have not yet explored. Asking relevant questions is like holding up a mirror to their actions and decisions so they can see for themselves whether it is the right thing to do.
Open questions require more than a word or two to answer adequately.
Too many can come across as confrontational. Subjective questions - use these when you ask for an opinion. Objective questions - these are to ask for specific information. Problem Solving questions - ask these when you want action ideas. Understanding skills include listening without interruption and your ability to use paraphrasing to test your grasp of the message the other person is trying to relay.