The Power of Systemic Questions in Coaching

Feb 10, 2025

As a coach, you're probably familiar with the art of asking powerful questions—those that encourage reflection, insight, and breakthroughs. One of the more impactful types of coaching questions is systemic questions.

What are systemic questions and how can you leverage these questions to deepen your practice and provide even more value to your clients?

Systemic questions are designed to assist clients in noticing and experiencing their challenges, decisions, and behaviours from a wider perspective - one that considers the broader context and the ripple effect their actions or non-actions might have on other parts of their lives and the world around them.

A systemic approach is rooted in the idea that all systems are interconnected. This could be a person’s personal life, family, work, or even society at large. What happens in one part of the system affects other aspects of the system in often profound ways.

In coaching, systemic questions aim to help clients explore these connections by raising awareness of how their choices and decisions might impact not only themselves but also others, and their future. These questions challenge clients to think beyond their immediate awareness and consider the longer-term or wider consequences.

The Purpose of Systemic Questions in Coaching

The primary purpose of asking systemic questions in coaching is to support clients in understanding the bigger picture of their decisions and actions, which can support clients to:

Understand the Ripple Effect: Every action has a roll-on effect—whether it's a decision at work, a choice in relationships, or a personal goal. For example, a client might think that a small change in their work habits won't affect their family life, but a systemic question can reveal how it actually might.
Become More Self-Aware: Systemic coaching encourages clients to become more aware of how their choices, emotions, and behaviours shape the dynamics of the systems they are part of increased awareness leads to better decision-making.
Foster Long-Term Thinking: Instead of focusing solely on short-term goals, systemic questions encourage clients to think about the longer-term consequences of their decisions. What might seem like a quick fix can sometimes have negative impacts down the line. Systemic questions support clients evaluate potential outcomes before committing to action.
Tap into Deeper Motivation and Values: Systemic questioning often helps clients uncover deeper motivations. When they consider the impact of their choices, clients may discover they are driven by something beyond the immediate task—perhaps a need to fulfil their core values, align with their purpose, or leave a legacy.

Practical Examples of Systemic Questions

Systemic questions can take various forms, depending on the situation and focus on expanding awareness. Here are some examples:

Identifying impact on others:

o "How does this decision affect the people around you: family, team, or community?"

o "What is the ripple effect of this choice across your personal or professional relationships?"

Identify long-term consequences:

o "What might this decision look like five or ten years from now?"

o "How will it affect your future self?"

o "If you continue on this path, what might be the cost to your well-being?

o "How will this impact your goals in the long run?"

The impact on values and legacy:

o "How does this decision align with what’s most important to you?"

o "What legacy do you want to create?

o "How does this choice support your vision?"

Exploring Alternatives:

o "What would happen if you chose a different approach?

o "What might you gain or lose when you take that action?"

o "If you let go of this current belief or behaviour, how might it open up new possibilities for you?"

o "And what else would you notice?"

By asking these types of questions, you invite clients to think beyond their immediate concerns and recognise how their decisions fit into the broader fabric of their lives. The awareness generated by such questions often leads to greater clarity, confident decision-making, and personal growth.

The Benefits of Using Systemic Questions

Using systemic questions in coaching offers a range of benefits, both for the client and for the coach. Here are some of the key advantages:

Enhanced Clarity: Systemic questions force the client to zoom out from their current perspective and take in the broader landscape of their life, leading to greater clarity and insight recognising different parts of their life are interconnected, which can assist them make more informed decisions.
Increased Accountability: By recognising the far-reaching consequences of their choices, clients often feel a deeper sense of responsibility. They can no longer ignore how their behaviour might be affecting others or how their decisions today will impact their future.
Deeper Reflection: Systemic questions promote deep reflection which can lead to more sustainable change, as clients become more aware of the long-term effects of their choices and develop strategies for better alignment with their core values.
Improved Decision-Making: When clients understand the full scope of their decisions, they’re better equipped to make choices that serve them in the long term. Systemic questions help them consider all the angles, including how their choices will impact others, their future, and the world around them.
Fostering Intrinsic Motivation: Often, systemic questions can assist clients tap into their intrinsic motivation. For example, by asking questions related to values, purpose, and legacy, coaches can assist clients align their actions with what truly matters to them. This creates a deeper, more sustainable source of motivation than simply focusing on external rewards.
Creating a Sense of Connection: Clients start to realize that their lives are interconnected with the people and systems around them. This awareness often fosters a sense of connection and responsibility—not just to themselves but to their broader world

Real-Life Application: A Coaching Example

Imagine a client who's stuck in a cycle of perfectionism, delaying important decisions because they feel the need for everything to be "just right." A systemic question in this case might be: "How is this pursuit of perfection affecting your relationships, your career, and your mental health?" This simple question can reveal the wide-reaching impact of their behaviour—showing them that their perfectionism isn't just about their work; it's affecting their family life, their well-being, and even their career prospects.

By recognising the systemic consequences, the client may find the motivation to break free from their perfectionistic tendencies. They might also start to identify what really matters to them, for example, connection, progress, and balance, allowing them to choose an approach aligned with their values and long-term goals.

Conclusion

Systemic questions are a powerful tool in coaching, helping clients explore the ripple effects of their choices, actions, and beliefs. They encourage deeper reflection, broader thinking, and more mindful decision-making. By supporting clients to understand the interconnections between different aspects of their lives, systemic questions foster clarity, accountability, and sustainable change.

Be Empowered.

Jeanine and Marie Empower World Co-founders

If you’re curious about how these Systemic questions in coaching are an invaluable way to support clients on a deeper level, listen to our full conversation with Jeanine Bailey and Marie Quigley here.

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