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- The Parliament Vol. 2, No. 30
The Parliament Vol. 2, No. 30
How Would They Handle This Situation?
Thomas Greek
August 22, 2025
COACHING PROMPT OF THE WEEK
“Think of someone you respect.
How would they handle this situation?”
This is a classic and powerful coaching prompt, often referred to as "Modeling" or a "Mentor Prompt."
This question is a perspective-shifting technique designed to move a team member from a "stuck state" (feeling overwhelmed, fearful, or out of options) to a more resourceful and empowered state.
This makes for a terrific prompt when you have a team member struggling with a big project or when they might be having trouble navigating a complex relationship.
Instead of asking "What would you do?"—which can be met with "I don't know!"—it externalizes the problem. It invites the person to step outside of their own limiting beliefs and emotions and "borrow" the perspective of someone they admire.
This prompt is a powerful tool for unlocking a person's own wisdom. It helps your team member see that the resources they admire in others are also accessible within themselves, providing a clear and actionable path forward.
Give it a try!
Remember that coaching isn’t telling!
Coaching is about staying curious and making space for those in our care to become confident authors of their own stories.
Ever find yourself only halfway listening to someone you're in a conversation with? I know I'm guilty of it.
If you're like me, it's not that you don't care what the other person has to say - you may have your to do list running through your head or be otherwise distracted. You may even be running through what you want to say next!
Regardless of the reason, listening to respond can prevent us from fully engaging. And at times, it can even inadvertently come across as rude or aloof.
It may take some extra effort, but active listening and deep listening can help show your genuine interest, build trust, and grow meaningful connections. And you may end up observing and learning some things along the way that you wouldn't have noticed otherwise.
My challenge to you: find opportunities to lean in and practice deep listening around your team members, colleagues, and loved ones.
They deserve our full attention!
Give deep listening a try and be amazed by the results.
Want to sharpen your coaching skills, join us in the Leaders as Coaches Online program and watch your team – and your leadership – transform. www.ThomasGreekCoaching.com
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"A river cuts through rock, not because of its power, but because of its persistence." - Jim Watkins
Nature has a lot to teach us about life and leadership.
I love this quote because of the reminder that persistence and consistency matter. Consistent, focused effort can overcome most obstacles.
I’m admittedly not the most patient leader, often on the search for the new and the next.
When I manage to slow down, I gain a clarity of purpose that helps me carve a path through any challenge.
What role does persistence play in your life?
Thanks and Be Well!
Beyond the Buzzwords:
What Are Coaching Skills, Really?
Let's strip away the corporate jargon. At its heart, coaching is built on a foundation of a few simple, yet profound, practices:
Deep Listening: This isn't just waiting for your turn to speak. It’s a genuine, focused effort to understand another person's perspective. It’s hearing not only the words they say but also the emotions behind them. It’s silencing your own internal monologue and giving someone your full, undivided attention.
Asking Powerful Questions: A typical conversation is often a series of statements or advice-giving. A coach approach flips this. Instead of saying, "You should do this," you ask, "What outcome are you hoping for?" or "What have you tried so far?" These open-ended questions don't provide answers; they unlock the other person's ability to find their own answers.
Empathy: Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. It’s not about feeling sorry for someone (sympathy) but about connecting with their emotional state. A simple phrase like, "It sounds like that was really frustrating for you," can validate someone's experience and build an immediate bridge of trust.
Leaning into these three fundamental coaching skills can transform your leadership style. The next time you have a team member with a “problem in search of a solution,” consider using these coaching skills and be prepared for amazing results.
For a limited time, I’m offering a complimentary lesson -
Check it out below!
