What if you could strengthen your communication and change the way you ask questions by switching one small word? In today’s episode, you’ll discover how replacing “why” questions with “what” and “how” can revolutionize your coaching conversations. Host Meg Rentschler explores the neuroscience and psychology behind the questions we ask, revealing that “why” questions trigger defensive responses, while “what” and “how” can activate curiosity and exploratory thinking.
Show Highlights:
- The neuroscience behind different question types—and how they trigger us
- The problem with “why” questions
- The power of “what” and “how” questions to invite us into adult-state activation
- Exploration instead of explanation
- Solution-focused questions vs. problem-focused questions
- NLP principles that support “what” and “how” questions
- “Why” questions have their place, but be cautious not to be judgmental and critical.
- The problem with automatic “why” responses
- Transformation techniques:
- The question-translation practice
- The ego-state awareness practice
- The solution-focused reframe
- The future-pull technique
- Examples of “what” questions to help a client with clarity
- Examples of “how” questions around processes
- Examples of “when” questions that involve timing
- Practical steps to transform your questioning techniques:
- Start small.
- Practice the pause.
- Trust the process.
- Meg's challenge to you this week
Resources:
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