Step #1: Goals
What would
you like to discuss?
What would you like to achieve?
What would you like from (to achieve in) this conversation?
What would need to happen for you to walk away feeling that this
time was well spent?
If I could grant you a wish for this conversation, what would it
be?
What would you like to be different when you leave this conversation?
What would you like to happen that is not happening now, or what
would you like not to happen?
What outcome would you like from this conversation?
Is that realistic?
Can we do that in the time we have available?
Will that be of real value to you?
Step #2: Reality
What is happening
at the moment?
How do you know that this is accurate?
When does this happen?
How often does this happen? Be precise if possible.
What effect does this have?
How have you verified, or would you verify, that that is so?
What other factors are relevant?
Who else is relevant?
What is their perception of the situation?
What have you tried so far?
Step #3: Options
What could
you do to change the situation?
What alternatives are there to that approach?
What possibilities for action do you see? Do not worry about whether
they are realistic at this stage.
What approach/actions have you seen used, or used yourself, in similar
circumstances?
Who might be able to help?
Would you like suggestions from me?
Which options do you like the most?
What are the benefits and pitfalls of these options?
Which options are of interest to you?
Rate from 1-10 your interest level in/the practicality of each of
these options.
Would you like to choose an option to act on?
Step #4: Wrap-up
What are the
next steps?
Precisely when will you take them?
What might get in the way?
Do you need to log the steps in your journal?
What support do you need?
How and when will you enlist that support?