Asking Better Questions #1
The questions you ask yourself and others serve as a catalyst for greater love, reflection and thought.
Too often and too quickly, I find myself jumping to my thoughts and my solutions. With others, this habit shuts down conversation and pre-empts the best ideas. When I allow my own thoughts to barge into my inner dialogue absent good self-questions, I conclude with similar diminished results.
Say less, ask more. Even of yourself.
Questions demonstrate love and curiosity. Questions encourage truth. Questions stimulate growth.
For instance, when you find yourself stuck on the hamster wheel of bleak thinking over a seemingly frustrating or hopeless situation, ask yourself, “What else is possible here?” “Is there another way?”
Or, instead of assuming the answers for someone you care for, ask “How are you thinking about this?” “What options do you see?” “Are there questions you want to ask someone?”
The gulf is wide between closed-ended questions that get the conversation over with and open-ended questions that spur better examination. The later requires keener thought and compassion. But of course, this helps make us better people, so it is surely worth the effort.
Asking better questions could be your next growth area.
Worth Repeating
Say less, ask more.
-Michael Stanier
