Evidence?
Logical?
Helpful?
Self-limiting?
Socratic questions aim to help a person consider all the options and broaden their thinking without telling them what to do. The intention to be centred on the learner, their agenda preferred approach rather than the agenda of the appraiser or educator. The example here might be “my boss hates me”
Evidence?
Where is the evidence? This is asking the person to explore why they think something is true. Questions like “why do you think your boss hates you?” “What is the evidence for this” “Give some examples of what happens”
Logical?
Now look at the examples and reasons given. “Does it fit with what is likely?” “Do you really think it is true?” “Is it possible there may be another explanation?” “Let’s think through the other possible reasons?” “What do others think” “What would you be thinking if you were the boss?”
Helpful?
Is your belief helping you here? Is your perception of the situation preventing you from resolving the problem?” You think your boss hates you so you avoid him. Will that give a worse impression?
Self-limiting?
Is your perception of the situation stopping you achieve what you want to do? By avoiding your boss does this make it harder to get your job done? Does your relationship affect your other work? What is limiting you more – your bosses attitude or your own response? You are in control of your perceptions and actions whatever your boss is like or does. How you act, respond and think is up to you.