Coach the Career Question Under the Question
Distinguish the surface career question from the underlying coaching question.
The coaching move is to convert a broad career statement into observable evidence and a next test. Name the real question Ask what decision the conversation needs to support. A title, assessment result, or development phrase is not enough; the coach needs the underlying tradeoff. Ground it in evidence Use projects, feedback, energy patterns, constraints, and role requirements. Evidence protects the coachee from building a career plan around one anxious week or one flattering comment. Design a small experiment The next step should be small enough to do quickly and strong enough to teach something: an informational interview, feedback request,…
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