Today’s coaching question might initially feel unusual. Because it’s not a conversation opener. But you’ll soon understand why it’s such a powerful tool in conversations.

Here’s how you can use it: Next time a conversation leaves you unsure about how to reply or what to do, just ask: “And what else? What else is there? What else comes up?” and don’t say much more after that.

This approach often leads to surprising outcomes. Many times people realise they haven’t said everything there is to say. And if they were voicing a complain, they may come to realise that things aren’t that bad. And with this the pressure for you to come up with anything valuable (or to think of a solution) is gone.

Case closed. Give it a try. This simple question is one that I use often in my coaching sessions. I’m always surprised how much I learn from using it.

If you’re new to this question series, why not start from the beginning, here is: number 1.

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