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Asking effective questions is a powerful skill.
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Great leaders ask great questions.
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We are judged by the quality of our questions.
Want a super power? Ask inspired questions.
This topic complements the recent posting about effective listening.
There is power in asking effective questions.
Asking questions empowers both the one asking and the one being asked.
Great leaders ask great questions.
Children learn by asking questions as do leaders and accomplished creators such as entrepreneurs.
ASKING QUESTIONS CAN:
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promote thought;
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challenge assumptions;
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facilitate progress;
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encourage self-discovery;
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promote learning;
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stimulate discussion;
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reveal new opportunities;
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help avoid misunderstandings;
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defuse heated situations;
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show respect to others;
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empower others;
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embolden others to be self sufficient;
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build stronger relationships;
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persuade and inspire others, and
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energize management and coaching.
WHY DO WE NOT ASK QUESTIONS?
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LAZY –We think we know enough about a subject. This may cause problems.
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AFRAID –We might look weak or ignorant.
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RUSHED – We want to get things done. We could go in the wrong direction.
A FEW THOUGHTS ON ASKING BETTER QUESTIONS:
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Don’t ask ‘yes’ or ‘no’ questions
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Dig deeper.
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Follow up with relevant questions.
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Think first before asking a question and use silence.
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Don’t interrupt.
PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE:
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Try to practice asking more questions in your everyday conversations.
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Ask a person a question instead of telling them something.
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When teaching, ask questions to provoke thought and discussion.
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Review a list of questions daily.
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Every day, ask yourself questions.
FOR EXAMPLE, YOU COULD ASK YOURSELF QUESTIONS SUCH AS:
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What (3?) things did I do today?
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What was meaningful today?
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What was stressful today?
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What is my main priority tomorrow?
You are judged more by the quality of your questions than the quality of your answers. This applies to job interviews, in particular.
In our coaching we can also teach to use the power of asking questions. This will assist our youth to cope with our rapidly changing world.
Please share your ideas on how we can assist our youth by group coaching.
If you require more details, please contact us.
LEARN MORE:
Are you are interested in learning more about group coaching?
If so, contact us to obtain a report on a simple and easy system on how to set up group coaching programs for youth. You can do this in the ‘Contact us‘ section of the website.
Please contact us to enter the discussion, REQUEST A FREE COPY OF THE GROUP COACHING PLAYBOOK or JOIN THE REGULAR COACHES FORUM.
Wishing you lots of love and laughter, as always.
Fred Jones
Victoria, BC Canada
Fred Jones