Coach-like curiosity means being curious in service of each other, so you can better connect to your team and work. Whether you're a pro at it or just getting started, here's one of our favourite ways to practice. 

It’s the One Question exercise and, like all exercises, getting those reps in makes you so much stronger. For the next week, try asking just one question at a time. 

Here’s the habit formula to support you:

When this happens…

After I’ve asked a question…

Instead of…

Adding another question. And then maybe another question, and then another question, because, they’re all good questions and I am really curious….

I will…

Ask just one question. And be quiet for as long as the person I’m listening to needs me to be so they can have the space to answer.

By sticking with one question, you avoid overwhelming the other person and go deeper with them to ideas and solutions that stick. Try it out for a week and see how it goes. To keep the exercise top of mind, you might add a Post-it note with the number one to your screen or add “One Question” as a recurring calendar event.

And, if you feel like you've already got this one down, maybe do a quick audit and keep track of the conversations and topics where this practice comes easily and where you're still having to stretch for it. No matter where you are, be kind to yourself, building a new habit takes time, patience, and encouragement.

Have fun getting those reps in. You’ve got this!