Family, friends, and clients often cast a weary eye when I answer their question with a question. If you expect an answer in response to your question, ask a counselor; if you don't mind a question in response to your question, ask a coach.

In asking a question, the coach is expressing his confidence in your mental and emotional health and in your creativity and resourcefulness. Additionally, when a coach asks an unanticipated question--one you've never considered--it may well open the door to new horizons.

A favorite line of inquiry is a series of three questions:

First, "Are you finding what you are looking for?"

Second, "Are you certain that what you are looking for is what you are looking for?" What's the desire underneath the desire underneath the desire?

Third, "Does what you are looking for require more will and work in the same direction, or does it require a change of direction?" It's cliche, but it's true: the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, hoping for a different result.