“Why, specifically, is this important for you right now?”

"Why, specifically, is this important to you right now?"

This question often comes near the beginning of a coaching session, and it can also be used in conversation. It helps the person being coached dig a bit deeper into the topic of discussion by connecting the topic to their values or motivations. For example, why, exactly, is it important to you to be on top of your work tasks? It might because you want to be known as a trustworthy employee. Or it might be connected to your larger desire for more responsibility. Perhaps you want to be on top of your work tasks so you can get home to your family earlier - so it's part of wanting to be a more engaged parent. This question helps uncover the larger things that motivate you to change.

As an aside, very few good coaching questions start with "why" because it can often sound judgmental. Not here - this question affirms that the topic of discussion is important and inquires after its relevance.

What is important to you right now? Please feel free to share on Linkedin, send us a private message, or schedule a call to talk about coaching!