Being in a managerial position for the last couple of years I have learnt that asking the right questions is one of the most powerful skills anyone can muster.
With curiosity and an all-will-go-well attitude, I love jumping into the deep end, therefore, I find myself in various situations where I have no idea what people are talking about!
However, after a million “silly” questions, I now know things. Most people are afraid of what people may think of them if they ask a silly question. Basically they put their ego and self-image above the knowledge they want to acquire! Now, that to me is silly!
“He who asks a question is a fool for five minutes; he who does not ask a question remains a fool forever” Mark Twain. Do yourself a favor and be a fool for 5 minutes. It might be worth it 100%.
Talking about leadership traits Hal Gregersen, executive director of the MIT Leadership Center states, “I found they were all exceptional at asking better questions, questions that are catalytic, that transform something from what is to what in a very amazing way might be.”
Tips on asking the right questions:
- Increase your social skills by asking open ended questions. How was your weekend? Instead of did you have a good weekend (here you limit the answer to Yes/No)
- Ask yourself the questions you are afraid to ask: What decisions can I make today to design a more impactful life? What beliefs do I hold and how do they serve me? Am I happy with where I am in life? What can I do to get closed to my goals?
When…
- You want to clarify something you don’t fully understand ask.
- You want to learn something new, ask.
- You want to do something ask yourself the right question. (replace I can’t with How can I?)
“The quality of our questions determine the quality of our life.” Anthony Robbins
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