The Focusing on the Real Challenge course includes skills for identifying and addressing core challenges during coaching conversations. You will develop skills to ask targeted questions, avoid distractions, and help your team prioritize what matters most. These techniques will support you in guiding more focused and productive coaching sessions that drive real progress. The first step is to master the focus question.

The Focus Question, "What’s the real challenge here for you?", is a powerful tool designed to uncover the core issue someone is facing. It prompts deep thinking and moves beyond surface-level concerns. For instance, if someone mentions being overwhelmed by multiple tasks, asking this question can help identify the true obstacle, such as poor time management or difficulty with prioritization.

Identifying the specific challenge is crucial for effective problem-solving. The Focus Question directs conversations towards the main issue that needs to be addressed. For example, if a direct report struggles with meeting sales targets and cites various reasons, asking "What's the real challenge here for you?" can facilitate a discussion to help them recognize the core problem such as a need to reevaluate their sales approach.

Using the Focus Question helps steer conversations away from superficial complaints and towards more meaningful issues. When a direct report vents about minor frustrations, asking "What’s the real challenge here for you?" shifts the focus to deeper concerns affecting their productivity or morale. For instance, underlying feelings of undervaluation or lack of growth opportunities might be the real issues.

Let's take a look at a hypothetical dialogue between a manager (Jake) and a direct report (Victoria) to see the Focus Question in action.

• Jake: Hi Victoria, I noticed you've been a bit stressed lately. What's on your mind?
• Victoria: I'm just swamped with tasks. I can't seem to get on top of my workload.
• Jake: That sounds really tough. What’s the real challenge here for you?
• Victoria: Honestly, I think it's about prioritizing my tasks better. I spend too much time on less important things.
• Jake: That’s helpful to know. What specifically do you think you need to focus on to manage your time more effectively?

In this conversation, Jake uses the Focus Question to uncover that Victoria’s true challenge is prioritization, not just the volume of tasks. This helps move the discussion from surface-level concerns to the core issue of time management.

Mastering the Focus Question will enable you to guide your team in uncovering and addressing key obstacles, leading to more effective coaching sessions. Get ready to practice these concepts in the upcoming role-play sessions to solidify your skills.