The Questions That Will Help You Get The Most Out Of Your Coach

Starting a programme of executive coaching can be a transformative experience, but a little preparation goes a long way.

One of the most effective ways to get ready is to reflect on powerful questions about your leadership journey - past, present, and future. This helps you clarify your goals, gain insight, and lay the foundation for a successful coaching experience.

Many experienced executive and leadership coaches send out a pre-coaching questionnaire to guide this early reflection. But you can get a head start on your coaching programme by reviewing the questions below. Better yet, take time to write your answers and share them with your coach. 1. Goal Setting

• What specific outcomes would you like to achieve through executive coaching?

• How do you envision your ideal professional and personal life as a leader?

• What challenges or obstacles do you anticipate?

• What does success look like for you at the end of the coaching programme?
  

2. Self

• What are your core strengths and areas for development as a leader?

• How do you typically approach problem-solving and decision-making?

• What values or principles shape your leadership style?

• Are there spiritual, moral or personal beliefs that influence how you lead?
  

3. Current Situation

• What are your current priorities at work?

• What opportunities and challenges are you facing in your role?

• How would you describe the culture and dynamics of your organisation?

• What internal or external support systems do you have access to?
  

4. Work-Life Integration

• How well are you balancing work and personal life right now?

• What are your key personal goals or aspirations outside of work?

• What are the biggest sources of stress for you?

• Do any aspects of your health impact your work or vice versa?
  

5. Communication & Leadership Style

• How would you describe your communication style?

• How do you build and maintain relationships with colleagues and stakeholders?

• What do you think your team, peers, or manager would say about working with you?

• How do you give and receive feedback?
  

6. Learning Preferences

• What type of learning or coaching approach works best for you?

• Are there any specific coaching tools or techniques you’re curious to explore?

• Have you worked with a coach before? What was helpful or unhelpful?

• How do you best take in and apply new ideas or skills?
  

Why This Matters These questions aren’t just a checklist, they’re a powerful way to increase self-awareness and set the stage for meaningful growth. Taking time to reflect before your first executive coaching session can lead to deeper conversations, faster progress, and more lasting results.