If you’ve ever sat with a client and thought, “What on earth do I ask next?”, you’re not alone. New coaches often put pressure on themselves to ask the perfect question—you know, the one that unlocks magical insight and life-changing “aha” moments.
Here’s the thing: Coaching isn’t about one perfect question. It’s about curiosity, presence, and asking questions that help your client go deeper. But if you’re looking for a foundational, go-to question, here’s one of my favorites:
“What’s most important to you right now?”
Why This Question Works (Every Time):
- It brings focus. Clients often arrive overwhelmed or scattered. This question cuts through the noise.
- It’s client-centered. It shifts the session away from your agenda (or ideas) to their priorities.
- It empowers reflection. Your client pauses, tunes in, and connects to what matters most in the moment.
How to Use It Effectively:
- Use it at the start of a session to set the tone.
- “Before we dive in, what’s most important for us to focus on today?”
- Use it when the conversation feels stuck or unclear.
- “I’m noticing a lot coming up here. What feels most important right now?”
- Use it as a grounding tool when emotions run high.
- “I hear a lot of frustration. What’s most important for you as we move through this?”
Bonus Tip: Get comfortable with silence after asking. Trust the pause. Some of the most powerful coaching happens in those quiet moments.
There’s no single “magic question” in coaching. But when you ask what’s most important, you’re honoring your client’s voice, priorities, and capacity for insight—and that’s where the magic happens.
Are you a new coach looking for support? Check out my Mindful Coach program!
Love, Olga
