625: The Coaching Habit That Brings Out The Best In People with Michael Bungay Stanier

16 snips

Feb 18, 2026

Michael Bungay Stanier, bestselling author and coaching educator known for The Coaching Habit, shows how simple, curious questions bring out people's best. He explains why we rush to give advice, the power of staying curious, and practical questions and systems leaders and parents can use to foster clarity, accountability, and deeper conversations.

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INSIGHT

Stay Curious Before Advising

Coaching's core is staying curious a little longer instead of rushing to give advice.
Most people are "advice-giving maniacs," and curiosity produces better outcomes.

ADVICE

Ask How To Help First

When someone vents, first show empathy and ask how you can help.
Ask "How can I help?" or "What do you want from me?" before offering solutions.

ANECDOTE

Youth Crisis Line Epiphany

As a teen Michael volunteered on a youth crisis line and learned to ask questions and listen.
He discovered the first answer is rarely the real answer and silence after questions is powerful.

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What if the fastest way to create deeper conversations, improve your leadership abilities, and your relationships wasn't a better plan—but a better question?

My guest today is Michael Bungay Stanier, bestselling author of The Coaching Habit, the most popular coaching book of the century, to unpack why most of us rush to give advice too quickly and how staying curious just a little longer can change everything.

You'll hear Michael talk about why we're all "advice-giving maniacs," how asking better questions leads to better outcomes, and the simple coaching framework Michael has taught to coaches and leaders around the world. You'll learn his most powerful questions and why they unlock clarity, accountability, and trust.

Whether you're a parent, leader, manager, spouse, or maybe you're someone who wants deeper, more meaningful conversations, you'll learn how coaching is really about helping people feel seen, heard, and empowered—not fixed.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

One Thing That The Best Coaches Do
The Best Way to Avoid Giving Unwanted Advice
The Power Of Asking One Question & Then Listening
How Michael Pivoted From His Coaching Practice
Accountability Isn't About Cracking a Whip
Systems That Help You Follow-Through On Your Goal
How Money & Side Bets Are Powerful Motivators
How To Be Useful When Someone Asks for Advice
The Best Question a Coach Can Ask to Dig Deeper
How to Learn More From Michael
The Deeper Gift that Coaching Offers

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