“The key to success is to focus our conscious mind on things we desire not things we fear.”

When a reporter is lucky enough to interview a FIFA World Cup player, they’re going to ask questions. That’s what reporters do.

Any reporter worth their salt knows that the best way to a good interview is to get the subject talking and the best way to do that is to hand them an open question. “How did you feel out there?”

If the reporter is simply holding the mike while the real player expresses themselves the interview is gold.

Hopefully, if you’re a business coach, especially if you’re a Certified Brian Tracy Trained Business Coach, you spend most of your coaching sessions asking questions.

‘No question is so difficult to answer as that to which the answer is obvious.’

— George Bernard Shaw

And listen.

By asking questions we learn about our client, we also clarify where we are needed most for both ourselves and for the client.

If you are questioning effectively your client is going to start seeing their problem more concisely. If you are listening emphatically you are going to create a stong rapport with your client.

Use Socratic questioning: Brian Tracy refers to Socrates in many of his books. The Socrates questioning technique (Soc didn’t call it that) is essentially to keep asking questions. Ask questions about the answers and play dumb. Dig deep – but don’t be annoying!

A lot of what you’re going to ask can be pretty harsh. Use the same question softeners counselors and sales people use to pose your queries more delicately. Here's some from Brian Tracy's sales training:

• Just so I can help you best, do you mind if I ask….
• Can you help me understand a little bit about….
• "What would you say if I asked..."
• "Tell me if I'm wrong, but it seems..."

 If you do need to be blunt, use direct questions like

• How’s that working for you?
• Out of all the options on the table, is this going to work?
• Will this change things?
• When do you want that done?
• If you do this, will it change things?

By asking questions you empower your client from the get-go. They are learning to answer their own questions.