At Filter, we believe that the heart of effective coaching lies in the art of asking good questions. Whether you’re a seasoned CEO or an emerging leader, the questions you ask—and the ones you’re asked—can stimulate new ideas, challenge assumptions, and create breakthroughs in understanding. We use the open-question method in our group coaching sessions, and we do this with a very specific purpose: to unlock new neural pathways and spark cognitive growth.
But why does this approach work? Why are good questions so essential to creating meaningful insights? And what does the Socratic method have to do with it? Let’s explore the science behind open questions and how they drive transformation, both mentally and professionally.
The Socratic Method: Stimulating Thought and New Neural Pathways
At the core of our coaching is the Socratic method - a powerful questioning technique that promotes critical thinking. Named after the ancient Greek philosopher Socrates, this method is all about asking open-ended, probing questions that encourage individuals to question their assumptions, explore new possibilities, and arrive at their own conclusions. By doing so, it leads to cognitive engagement, neural plasticity, and enhanced problem-solving.
Socratic questioning is not about finding the "right" answer; it's about opening the mind to new perspectives, guiding members to challenge their thinking, and creating space for more innovative solutions. Research suggests that the cognitive engagement stimulated by Socratic questioning leads to neural plasticity - the brain’s ability to form and reorganise connections as a result of learning and experience. This creates an environment where new ideas can flourish, and problem-solving becomes more adaptable.
Incorporating this into our coaching sessions means that each question is designed not just to elicit a response but to activate new neural pathways in our members. This results in deeper learning, greater self-awareness, and the ability to make better decisions under pressure.
What Makes a Good Question?
A good question in coaching is one that challenges, explores, and invites new perspectives. But what exactly makes a question effective? In our Filter coaching sessions, we focus on the following qualities when crafting our questions:
Openness
Good questions invite exploration and don’t lead to a fixed answer. They allow the individual to think broadly, rather than restricting them to one specific viewpoint. For example:
- “What assumptions are you making about this situation?”
- “What could happen if you approached this problem differently?”
These types of questions invite a deeper look at the situation and encourage the member to explore multiple options.
Clarity
Effective questions are clear and easy to understand. They guide the participant toward specific reflection without being too abstract. For instance:
- “What’s one change you could make today that would help move this forward?”
Simple yet powerful questions like these force focus on immediate, actionable steps, rather than theoretical or overwhelming concepts.
Challenging
A good question pushes boundaries and encourages personal growth. It invites the member to think beyond their comfort zone and consider alternative perspectives. For example:
- “What would you do if failure weren’t an option?”
- “What’s the one thing that, if you changed, would make the biggest difference in your business?”
These questions force the member to step outside their habitual thinking patterns and confront difficult truths.
Reflective
A reflective question encourages self-assessment and self-awareness. It asks the member to evaluate their thoughts, behaviours, and decisions. For instance:
- “How does this decision align with your values?”
- “What are you learning about yourself as you tackle this challenge?”
By reflecting on their actions and motivations, members gain clarity and can adjust their course accordingly.
Specificity
While open-ended questions are essential, good questions are also specific enough to lead to concrete outcomes. They should help guide action steps. For example:
- “What is the next step you need to take to move this project forward?”
- “How will you measure success in the next month?”
Specific questions focus on tangible results and help members commit to taking action.
The Neuroscience of Open Questions: Unlocking Cognitive Potential
Research suggests that engaging in open-ended conversations stimulates the brain in ways that structured, closed-ended questions cannot. When individuals are asked open-ended questions, they must engage in critical thinking, problem-solving, and self-reflection. These cognitive processes are linked to neural plasticity, which refers to the brain’s ability to reorganise itself by forming new neural connections.
According to neuroscience studies, this process of mental stimulation is crucial for cognitive growth and adaptability. By engaging in deep reflection through open questioning, the brain forms new synaptic connections that lead to improved cognitive flexibility and problem-solving skills. This is particularly important for leaders, who must navigate complex decisions and lead teams through uncertainty.
In the context of our Filter coaching sessions, the open-question method helps our members reframe problems, consider alternative solutions, and develop new strategies - all of which stimulate cognitive growth and improve their decision-making abilities. By actively engaging with these questions, they are not just solving problems; they are expanding their mental capacities for future challenges.
The Impact on Peer Group Discussions
Peer group coaching, especially when guided by the Socratic method, is about collective learning. While one member asks the question, the entire group benefits from the shared experience and the different perspectives that come from diverse leadership styles and industries.
For example, when one leader is asked, “What is the underlying fear preventing you from moving forward with this decision?”, the insights gained by that individual often resonate with others in the group. The open question encourages participants to reflect on their own fears or limiting beliefs, leading to collective growth and enhanced decision-making across the board.
The dynamic that is created by Socratic questioning within a peer group fosters an environment where participants are continuously learning from each other. The ability to open new neural pathways in this group setting means that each member not only gains valuable insights for their own business but also contributes to the growth of their peers.
Why the Open-Question Method Works in Filter’s Coaching
At Filter, we’ve found that the Socratic approach to questioning provides the best results for our members. It’s about fostering an environment of learning, where no question is off-limits. Every question, no matter how seemingly simple, acts as a stimulus for new neural connections, helping the individual and the group expand their thinking.
The open-question method encourages:
- Deeper self-awareness
- Greater creativity
- Improved problem-solving skills
- Cognitive flexibility, leading to better decision-making
- Stronger leadership capabilities
By using this method, we guide our members through the complexities of leadership, ensuring that each decision is not only strategically sound but also aligned with their deeper values and vision.
Asking Good Questions Is Key to Transformational Leadership
The open-question method is more than just a tool for exploration - it’s a pathway to unlocking new ways of thinking, challenging assumptions, and driving transformation. By asking good questions, we engage the brain in a process of critical thinking and neural growth, which ultimately leads to better leadership, stronger teams, and more effective decision-making.
At Filter, our coaching sessions use these powerful questions to help our members break free from limiting beliefs, expand their cognitive potential, and achieve meaningful business success. When you join our peer group coaching, you’re not just asking questions - you’re unlocking your brain’s full potential and setting yourself up for lasting growth and success.