I have tried so hard to start asking better questions, but I’m not sure I’ve come close to mastering this skill yet. I’m talking specifically about work, though it could (and should) be a practice in every conversation. It is a classic lesson to listen critically and to ask questions that get to higher level of critical insights.
How do the most innovative companies and their teams get better? You guessed it. Through asking better questions.
I just wrapped up The Innovator’s DNA (Dyer, Gregersen and Christensen), and “questions” are a major focus of the book. The book is a must read, in my opinion, for any business and any wannabe or current entrepreneur.
Here’s the thing: Asking good questions helps eliminate constraints, generates greater value, and provides answers to move us toward a better understanding of the stories we are telling ourselves. Asking critical questions provides clarity for not only us, but for others in the room. Essentially, this practice expands our capacity to go deeper still and pushes us and/or our organizations toward excellence.
So, how do you go about asking better questions? There are books for that – and if you find a particularly good one, let me know! – but also by asking others who are also focused on growth. Thus, my focus today. How can we help each other? Hopefully by offering up our thoughts on good questions. What are some strong examples?
Here are a few to get you thinking. The first one came from someone last week at my leadership offsite, and I really liked it.
- If you had a magic wand to achieve the goals on this project, what would need to happen? What barriers could leadership take away?
- What is holding you back?
- If we did this or that, what would happen? Worst thing? Best thing?
- Why? (The rule is asking at least 5 whys to get to the root cause…)
- What is the smartest next step to take?
Your turn! Let’s all try to ask some better questions this week and elevate our teams and ourselves for great success!