Nietzsche's Twilight of the Idols opens with 44 aphorisms, including four he describes as "Questions of Conscience":
37. You run ahead? Are you doing it as a shepherd? Or as an exception? A third case would be the fugitive. First question of conscience.
38. Are you genuine? Or merely an actor? A representative? Or that which is represented? In the end, perhaps, you are merely a copy of an actor. Second question of conscience.
40. Are you one who looks on? Or one who lends a hand? Or one who looks away and walks off. Third question of conscience.
41. Do you want to walk along? Or walk ahead? Or walk by yourself? One must know what one wants and that one wants. Fourth question of conscience.
I wouldn't look to Nietzsche for guidance on any number of subjects--um, gender relations, to take just one. But I'm struck by the universality of these questions--they're relevant for just about every coaching client I've worked with--and by their pointed, direct nature.
I'm hardly modeling myself after Nietzsche's example, but there's something in the challenge he poses to his reader that reminds me of the role an executive coach can play with a client. Coaches rarely (if ever) have The Answer, but a good coach will be able to ask powerful and provocative questions that allow a client to identify the answers that are true and meaningful for them.
That's just how I feel reading the passage above. For example, I often strive to "run ahead," to distinguish myself in some way. Am I seeking to contribute to the betterment of others? Or to glorify myself? Or am I running away from something? Nietzsche's no help with the answer, but I'm grateful for the fearlessness and pugnacity with which he poses the question.