This week we will continue consideration of questions that impact thinking and are positively constructed, (or as Dr. Adams calls them, Learner Questions) with an emphasis on the State of Mind or Energy Source efficacy. A key facet of efficacy is an internal locus of control. Many teachers and other professionals today have been discouraged by environmental factors such as mandates, political tensions, changing demographics, and budget cuts, leaving them feeling helpless and sometimes hopeless.

An effective coach or engaged participant will invite the professional or the group to explore areas where s/he (they) has control. We always have control of our lives, even if it is only in the arena of our attitudes and responses to external issues. Some examples of questions in the area of efficacy are:

• How have you dealt with similar situations in the past?

• What might be some things you do have control of?

• What are some resources you have in yourself that will serve you in responding to this situation?

Questions from the Q Storming

 What have I seen in my practice and in my life that leads me to believe this is possible?

 What specific strengths or capacities might we enhance to reach our goal?

 What would success look like when we achieve it?

 What fears might we need to set aside?

 What might be some positive self-talk we need to have?

As you listen this week for low efficacy, draw on your consciousness in asking questions that promote self-directedness. At the end of the week, take a few moments to reflect on the impact of your coaching and your group interactions.

Dr. Adams concluded the keynote with this quote from Albert Einstein. We leave you with this thought:

“If I had an hour to solve a problem, and my life depended on the solution, I would spend the first 55 minutes determining the proper questions to ask. For if I knew the proper questions, I could solve the problem in less than 5 minutes.”

— Albert Einstein