Assignment: The Importance of Questioning
Socrates recognized the importance of questions. His revelation resulted in his invention of the Socratic Method, which is similar to the Scientific Method in that it sets forth a formula for problem solving. The Socratic Method encompasses a series of questions, with the goal of revealing underlying beliefs as well as the extent of the responder’s knowledge.
As each occurrence of mentoring or coaching is unique, the same methods are not always appropriate for use. For instance, some argue that mentoring or coaching methods should be adapted to the learning styles, preferences, or needs of the mentee or coachee. As a result, mentors and coaches, in order to do their jobs effectively, should have a widespread knowledge of mentoring and coaching techniques and be sensitive to the specific nature of each coaching relationship.
Edgar Schein (1999) speaks of three different types of questioning (pure inquiry, diagnostic inquiry, and confrontive inquiry) that may be used by a coach to help understand the coachee and to help facilitate the process.
As a coach, it is essential that you take the time to learn how to use methods such as active inquiry, posing powerful questions, and deeply focusing on the other person. When people feel that they have been heard, they will, in turn, listen to your counsel.
To prepare for this Assignment, pay particular attention to the following Learning Resources:
Hunt, J. M., & Weintraub, J. R. (2017). The coaching manager: Developing top talent in business (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
- Chapter 1, “Whither the Coaching Manager”
- Chapter 2: “The Coaching Manager Model – An Overview”
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- Coaching & Mentoring – See Attachment
- Staff Coaching – See Attachment
- Mentoring vs Coaching – Mentoring vs Coaching: Which do you need? [2022] | Diversity for Social Impact™
Assignment
To complete your Assignment, review the three types of active inquiry outlined in this week’s Learning Resources.
Compose a cohesive document that addresses the following:
- Explain the characteristics of pure inquiry, diagnostic inquiry, and confrontive inquiry and how you can use the three types of inquiry to be more effective at listening.
- Analyze how the coach transitions among each type of inquiry in the coaching scenario, entitled “Tonia and Ashok,” in Chapter 2 of the Hunt and Weintraub textbook.
- Analyze at least one situation in your organization in which each type of inquiry would be effective and explain why.
- Have a conversation with a family member or coworker to coach this individual through a challenge he or she may be encountering (e.g., change in career, decision to go back to school, etc.). Go through the process of active listening and then clarify your understanding of the challenge your coachee/mentee is facing. Transition through different types of active inquiry to ask those powerful questions that encourage your coachee/mentee to reflect. Provide a reflective analysis of the importance of active listening and inquiry that occurred in your conversation. What did you learn about active listening and the importance of active inquiry?
- 3 – 5 pages
- APA citing
- No plagiarism
