Every coach knows this:

Ask a better question, get a better answer.

You may not be a coach, but I am confident you can utilize this powerful rule in your own life.

Let me show you how!

If you ask your 10 year old, "Did you have a good day at school?",
he can say yes or no while tossing his backpack down and cramming his head
into the fridge to scope out a snack.

There's little chance for interaction beyond his brief answer.

Try this instead: "Tell me about your day at school."

If you ask a candidate for your open role at work, "Do you want to work
on our team?", you will likely hear a resounding yes. 

Instead, ask the candidate, "What most interests you about this role?"

You'll get a much juicier and more helpful answer.

Close-ended questions get you nowhere. To be frank, they are often a waste of everyone's time.

Open-ended questions generally start with WHY, HOW, or WHAT. 

Get out there and ask questions like a coach today!