My grandfather often said, “the wisdom is in the question, not the answers.” He was not admonishing me for talking too much, rather, trying to get me to think more broadly and thoughtfully. Companies that view questions as a problem are missing out, writes Jay Steven Levin and Scott Mabry in these blog posts. Meaningful questions take time and consideration. They’re, intended to evoke conversation rather than end it.
Source: Switch and Shift, April 26, 2016.
In the act of asking meaningful questions, we step back so others can step up and think things through for themselves. The art of questioning enables dynamic and critical think-through. Finding relevant questions uncovers and reveals richer, more relevant answers.
See also: Soul to Work, April 25, 2016.
One of the most important tasks a leader must undertake is to liberate the thoughts, feelings, and beliefs of the people they lead. Yet, if we’re honest, this is also one of the challenges many leaders will avoid or shortcut if possible. Leaving the problem for someone else or some other time. That’s because it’s a lot easier to just move things along than to deal with them.
INSIGHTS: Those best at questioning have an innate curiosity and a keen understanding of what they know and do not know. The best carpenters measure twice and cut once. Questions have the same effect in our interactions. Starting with, “I’m curious” or, “can you help me understand” makes questions more palatable.