Ask Better Questions

The ideas and solutions we generate depend largely on the inner dialogue that we have with ourselves and more specifically, the questions we ask and answer. Most of us have an inner conversation rolling along all day every day in those moments when we aren’t engaging with others. The quality and nature of the questions we ask determines the ideas and solutions we are able to see. The odd thing about that is that what we can see changes from moment to moment, depending on where we stand emotionally. We have all had the experience of feeling on top of the world—strong, effective, brilliant. From that place, we make a promise to deliver something we believe we are entirely capable of delivering. Fast forward a month. Delivery day is tomorrow, and we are not in the same emotional space we were in when the promise was made. Our thoughts sound something like, “What the hell was I thinking?!” We are not able to see from the same perspective we viewed a mere four weeks ago. Somehow, we must navigate back to that place of strength. The nature of the questions we ask ourselves elicits different responses, and hence give us access to a variety of possible outcomes. Here is an example: David, a product design engineer, has been working on a widget for three months and learns this morning that there is a major defect resulting from faulty test equipment. If the question he asks is, “What are they going to think of me in tomorrow’s design review?” he will head down a thought path quite different than if he asked a more positive question like, “What’s the fastest and best way to get accurate test results now?” or “Who might have the equipment required to re-test?” When we learn to ask better questions—the ones pointed toward solutions and possibilities, we get better results faster. Here are a few examples of open-ended questions that lead to positive exploration: <ul> <li> How can this situation be a win for everyone involved?</li> </ul> <ul> <li>What possibilities might exist that I haven’t thought of yet?</li> </ul> <ul> <li>If we looked at this from the perspective that the challenge was resolved successfully, and went step-by-step backwards, what would have happened right before it was resolved, and before that, etc.?</li> <li>What is the best way I can reconnect with my sense of strength and capability? What would give me a boost now?</li> </ul> By asking these kinds of questions, we give ourselves access to fresh perspectives and often create breakthrough ideas. Most of us habitually ask questions from habits that were formed long before we understood that we have the power to direct our thoughts--before we realized that energy follows thought and action follows energy. Although we now know better, conscious practice will be required to make this the new habit. An equally helpful practice is to have a business partner, coach or trusted friend ask powerful, open-ended questions. Sometimes having them come from someone else gives us objective distance and allows a deeper inquiry than we might get on our own. Often, clients will choose to ponder a question like this over time—perhaps a week, and see what emerges in that time. Exciting breakthroughs and epiphanies occur frequently with clients who learn to use this tool.   2009-08-10T20:43:09Z

2009-08-11T18:46:20Z

-4.19256

292 5872

true

16558

ask-better-questions

2009-08-11T11:45:56Z

2009-08-11T18:46:20Z

When we get stumped by a problem that feels insurmountable, it may be that we need a different perspective. Break the cycle of unproductive circular reasoning in one easy step: ask a different kind of question.

Ask Better Questions

2009-08-11T18:46:20Z