Do what you can, with what you have, where you are!

This straightforward mantra can give a helpful structure to approach problems and coach others. Let's break it down into three parts, each with a corresponding coaching question:

1️⃣ Do what you can,...

Coaching questions: "What can YOU do?" "What's in YOUR control?" "What can you influence?"

This focuses on what's within the person's control. It encourages action and personal responsibility. It brings the coaching to the person right in front of us. It helps to move away from complaining.

2️⃣..with what you have..

Coaching questions: "What strength could you use here?" "What resources do you have?" "What have you learned from what you have tried so far?"

This prompts an exploration of available resources, skills, and knowledge. It helps to get clarity on our available toolkit.

3️⃣..where you are.

Coaching questions: "Where are we right now in this?""What's the current challenge?" "What's possible for you at this moment?" "What's important right now?"

This invites focus on the current situation, challenges, and immediate next steps.

Imagine using this framework in a coaching conversation. For a Manager, it could sound like this: "This seems really tricky. Let's think this through together. Something comes to mind for me here. Let's do what we can, with what we have, given where we are. Can I ask you 2-3 questions about this?"

Then, you can 'guide' the conversation using the three types of questions above. This approach helps shift the focus from limitations to possibilities, from overwhelm to actionable steps. It also gives a simple and compelling structure to your conversation. In my experience, it can work in as short as 5 minutes!

Great coaching isn't about having all the answers. It's about asking the right questions to help someone think things through. And a simple framework like this may be all it takes to get the juices flowing:)

Summary:

This newsletter presents a coaching framework inspired by Theodore Roosevelt's quote: "Do what you can, with what you have, where you are." The approach breaks down into three parts, each with specific coaching questions focusing on personal action, available resources, and current challenges. This simple yet effective method helps shift conversations from limitations to possibilities, enabling coaches and managers to guide productive discussions and inspire problem-solving in just a few minutes. By emphasizing thoughtful questioning over providing answers, this framework offers a practical tool for navigating challenges and motivating teams.

Good luck!!

And...have a great week ahead and please keep doing what you can, with what you have, given where you are right now! 🙂