I write about my Elite Thinking methodology to unleash the potential in teams across all sectors. It is a framework that emerges from positive psychology designed to build a world champion mindset. The framework is grounded in the belief that greater levels of self-awareness around the strengths of an individual builds sustainable success for individuals and teams. Whether it is an executive leadership team, sports team, or a school team, Elite Thinking is a solution-focused approach which entails identifying what creates a successful team, who the team is when they are at their best and then aiming to duplicate regularly.
Coaches have plenty of advice to share with their players. Is there another approach that is less about giving advice and more about staying curious? Great coaches are forever curious. They ask generative questions that change how people think.
Generative questions:
• Create trust and a positive energy to move people and teams in a positive direction.
• Focus on “the best of what is and what might be” (Stavros & Torres).
• Open up new ways to solve challenging and complex problems and provide creative ways forward.
Old approach:
“Today you were selfish on the ball. You didn’t pass to your team mates. You had no vision and that impacted negatively on the team. You ran from deep in our half and got tackled in possession which resulted in turn overs. I want you to look up, and pass right”.
New approach:
1. Reframe the situation. Coach: “I really do understand the situation. You see attacking chances and want to help the team by using your skills and speed to take those opportunities to get the ball up field. I want to be sure we are also looking at other ways to move the ball. So how can we have a constructive conversation about this?”
2. Ask generative questions. Simple questions shift the conversation from a negative to a positive conversation, expands possibilities for action, builds relationships, and deepens understanding. Coach: “What opportunities did you see to play the ball wide? When you did play it wide what contributed to the success? What changes on the field can we make to get the ball wide?”
The result? Conversations are stimulated, players are engaged in thinking about their game, the relationship is nurtured, and creative solutions are generated that create positive and forward energy. These are the ingredients of a successful team.