When you begin your STAR® programme, you’ll receive a special welcome gift: a pack of Powerful Questions playing cards. These aren’t just any cards; they’re a game-changing tool to help you think differently, ask better questions, and move confidently into a coaching approach.
But how do you use them?
Here are four fun ways to make the most of your cards:
The 5-a-Day Challenge
Pick five cards, making sure you choose at least one from each colour. Familiarise yourself with them, then challenge yourself to use all five questions in real conversations. Once they feel natural, grab another five and keep going!
For example:
- Blue card: “What would good look like?”
- Pink card: “What resources do you already have?”
- Green card: “What support do you need and from whom?”
The Flash Card Quiz
Use your cards with the QUEST-GEN model to sharpen your awareness of how questions work. For each card:
Decide what type and style of question it is.
Identify which memory or thinking style it stimulates.
Then flip the card over to check your answer. Think of it as a mini brain workout, fun and enlightening!
The Card Coaching Session
Select 2-3 cards from each colour, in order of Blue → Pink → Green, and use them to coach a colleague. Ask each question, listen, reflect, and watch the magic happen. You’ll see how structured questions can open up insight and action.
The Cut-the-Deck Practice Game
- Start with the Blue deck for reflection questions.
- Move to the Pink deck for exploration and insight.
- Finish with the Green deck to identify actions and commitments.
Many learners tell us these cards have become part of their daily routine or their 1-2-1s with their team. They have also reported that they have even used these with family and friends. Now we want to hear from you:
How do you use your Powerful Questions cards? Have you found a creative way to use them that’s not listed here? Share your tips, we’d love to celebrate your coaching superpowers!