The document introduces a sequence of 5 progress-focused questions that can be used to enable progress in change processes. The questions are: 1) the continuation question, 2) the future projection question, 3) the optimism question, 4) the small steps forward question, and 5) the personal contribution question. Each question is then defined in 1-2 sentences. The questions are meant to build on each other and help teams identify what is going well, envision progress, see positive signs of being able to make progress, determine initial small steps, and allow individuals to contribute.

1. © 2013, Coert Visser
www.progressfocusedapproach.com
A good way to enable progress is to pose some well
thought out questions. It helps when these questions fit
well with each other and build on each other. A few years
ago, I developed a sequence of 5 progress-
focused questions. I have used it often and I have found it
to be powerful and flexible set of questions which can be
useful in many change processes. Here it is:
1. The continuation question
2. The future projection question
3. The optimism question
4. The small steps forward question
5. The personal contribution question

2. 1. The continuation question
“While change is important and useful, it
is wise to not change more than
necessary.
As far as you are concerned, which things
(activities and processes) within the
team are going well enough and
therefore do not have to be changed?”
© 2013, Coert Visser
www.progressfocusedapproach.com

3. 2. The future projection question
“Imagine, we are now 3 months further
and the team has made progress.
How will you notice that there is
progress? What is different? What is
better?
In what sense is it an improvement? How
will others (customers, colleagues,
management, etc.) notice?”
© 2013, Coert Visser
www.progressfocusedapproach.com

4. 3. The optimism question
“Which signals indicate that the team
will indeed be able to make progress
within the next 3 months?
Which positive indications do you
see?”
© 2013, Coert Visser
www.progressfocusedapproach.com

5. 4. The small steps forward question
“Which first small steps could be taken
to start making progress?”
© 2013, Coert Visser
www.progressfocusedapproach.com

6. 5. The personal contribution question
“How would you personally like to
contribute to the progress of the team?”
© 2013, Coert Visser
www.progressfocusedapproach.com

7. Music: Coert Visser & Dirk-Jan Smid
© 2013, Coert Visser
www.progressfocusedapproach.com