Who? What? Why? When? Where? How?
a
We begin asking questions around the age of two and many of us never stop. Questions can change the world. Walt Disney asked, “How can I create the happiest place on earth?” Einstein wondered what would happen if you rode a beam of light, thus leading to the Theory of Relativity. Every day, Steve Jobs asked himself; “If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?”Questions are the most powerful tools in a leader’s toolbox. They can result in truth, knowledge, and insight. Questions have brought us amazing devices, travel to faraway planets, and incredible experiences. They have also given us more engaged workers and productive work environments.
We begin asking questions around the age of two and many of us never stop. Questions can change the world. Walt Disney asked, “How can I create the happiest place on earth?” Einstein wondered what would happen if you rode a beam of light, thus leading to the Theory of Relativity. Every day, Steve Jobs asked himself; “If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?”Questions are the most powerful tools in a leader’s toolbox. They can result in truth, knowledge, and insight. Questions have brought us amazing devices, travel to faraway planets, and incredible experiences. They have also given us more engaged workers and productive work environments.
a
Yet, according to Harvard researcher Alison Wood Brooks, one of the most common complaints people make after conversations and work meetings is that they weren’t asked enough questions.
Yet, according to Harvard researcher Alison Wood Brooks, one of the most common complaints people make after conversations and work meetings is that they weren’t asked enough questions.
a
Questions can lead to understanding…
Questions can lead to understanding…
- I may be wrong but…
- What possible ways could we accomplish this?
- What are we missing that might improve our business?
- What happened?
- Could you elaborate on that?
- Could you say it in a different way?
- What can we learn from this experience?
- What does this make possible?
- What have you been reading lately?
- What are you excited about?
- What didn’t go as planned?
Questions can lead to self-awareness…
- What am I feeling right now?
- What am I afraid of?
- Why did I react like that?
- What do I really want in this situation?
- What am I grateful for right now?
- What is my greatest contribution to our team?
Questions can uncover possibilities…
- What does this make possible?
- Who could we partner with?
- What resources do we have that we’re not aware of?
- How do we build on what we have already achieved?
- What action can we take right now to move toward our goal?
- What would have to be true to get this result?
- Is there a question I could ask that would create greater insight?
- Where can I go to seek more information?
Great leaders can envision the future. Their questions open up possibilities. What questions will you pose this week?
The road is easier together,
a
Time is precious. We are grateful you’ve chosen to spend some with us today.