Questioning...

 

Mukesh Gupta wrote, "We know that the ability to ask good questions can go a long way in how effective we are as leaders, entrepreneurs or in the process of discovery and innovation. Questions typically create the frame of reference within which the answer is thought in. They create the prototypical “Box” and if we are to think outside the box, we need to create a different question that allows us to think in a bigger box. We can never truly think outside the box but we can definitely think in a different box."

Leaders develop constructive questioning techniques which help us to gradually understand how things work and what isn’t working. When it comes to creating changes, it can be easy to focus on what’s wrong, what’s missing, what’s not working and what needs fixing. And while it might be a helpful way to understand how you got to where you are, it’s not necessarily a great way to create the energy, buy-in and momentum that you may need to get to where you want to go now.

As a student of Appreciative Inquiry, I've learned that effective questions are those that seek to uncover and bring out the best in a person, a situation or an organization.

Dr. Eve Ash talks about these strategies for "questioning for good":

Finding out

Start with an open mind and turn on your curiosity. This involves getting as much information as you can about the situation you’re presented with. Make the most of opportunities that present themselves, listening to as wide a variety of viewpoints as you can. Don’t prejudge or assume. Listen, listen, listen!

Learning why

Ask why things are done a particular way and how methods and practices were selected. Don’t get personal as in “why is Joe Bloggs so curt with everyone?” or “why is Tina Jones constantly one-upping others?”. You’ll see for yourself if you continue to observe and gather information. Sometimes there’s no need to ask because others may do it for you. Find out how and why things work. The point is to listen and absorb.

Assessing

This isn’t the same as judging. It’s assimilating the information you have at hand, considering and examining it for gaps in your understanding. Compare and contrast, because amid the problems and the dross lie potential opportunities to apply your skills.

Collaborating

This is the opposite of an adversarial binary approach which pits you against the world. See what skills and knowledge others have. Ask what you can do to lighten others’ loads. It could be as simple as listening and offering low-key advice and pursuing initiatives that bring people together for a common purpose.

Building for better

When you question for good, you are helping to design and construct improved practices. Always make it clear why you’re there and the results you can achieve together.

Solving problems

Career advancement is infinitely more satisfying when you broker solutions. Asking constructive questions is the start of fresh ways of accomplishing outcomes.

I'm happy to talk about the role of questioning in my coaching practice. Just ask!

Barbara