??3 Effective Ways to Ask the Right Questions and More of Them

Welcome to the 'Power Series,’ your monthly dose of leadership tools empowering you to grow as a mindful and inspirational leader.

What would you consider a true superpower ????♀?? Is it the ability to always have the right answers, or is it the extraordinary skill to ask the right questions?

In your leadership role, what percentage of your day do you dedicate to asking questions, and what percentage do you allocate to providing answers? I have often seen leaders being alert whenever a question is raised, as they feel that they should always have all the answers. In today’s rapidly changing world, the belief that one person will always have all the answers—and the right ones—is a myth.

Instead, we learn to ask the ??right questions. Questions have the power to shift our focus from challenges ?? to opportunities ??, from judgment to curiosity, and from limitations to possibilities, leading us to experience a surge of ceaseless energy and access to limitless possibilities. A great example to shift our focus is the questions shared by Tony Robbins:

??Instead of asking what’s missing,

ask what I have.

??Instead of asking what I can’t control

ask what can I control.

??Instead of asking, is this problem a burden,

ask, is this problem a gift?

??Instead of asking why this happened to me,

ask, what can I do about it?

Your focus thus shifts from challenges to opportunities and from the past or future to the present moment helping you feel resourceful.

“Quality questions create a quality life. Successful people ask better questions, and as a result, they get better answers.”?– Tony Robbins

In the realm of leadership, those who ask powerful questions not only achieve tremendous business success but also cultivate deeper connections with their teams. These leaders are change-makers who can foster a culture of care and collaboration, inspire innovation and drive engagement. Teams see these leaders as trusted allies—people they can learn from and partner with to develop new solutions, ideas, and strategies.

Here Are 3 Effective Ways to Ask the Right Questions and More of Them:

??1. Think Questions —

If you've been believing that those who answer questions are the smart ones, and asking too many questions is a sign of weakness—or something negative—consider adopting a new belief: Questions reflect curiosity and courage, and that *questions are the answer. *Questions are the laser of human consciousness; they sharpen our focus and shape how we feel and act. To enhance your thinking and question-asking skills, make it a daily ritual. Set aside time each day to list the questions that drive progress in all areas of your life, and make a habit of including specific questions as part of this daily routine. E.g.:

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a.????? What am I grateful for in my life?

b.????? What am I committed to in my life right now?

c.????? What is one change I want to make in my life right now?

d.????? What am I not asking enough?

e.????? What did I learn today?

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??2. Dare to Ask Questions You Don’t Have Answers To —

We often prefer to stay in our comfort zones, discussing topics we already know. For leaders, acknowledging that there are things they don’t know—and admitting this in front of their team—takes courage. Embracing vulnerability fosters trust ?? ; by asking questions to which they don’t have the answers, leaders step out of their comfort zones and drive growth, innovation, and new ways of thinking and being. By modeling this behavior, leaders inspire their teams to embrace curiosity and exploration, building a culture of safety, creativity, and collaboration.

Asking **elevating questions can significantly enhance our ability to see the bigger picture and gain new perspectives. Elevating questions allow you to step back from the immediate situation, helping you to see the forest rather than just the trees. Zooming out?? can uncover insights and opportunities that may have otherwise gone unnoticed. E.g.?

a)????? What are we not asking in this situation?

b)???? What would we do if we weren’t afraid of failing?

c)????? If we could start from scratch, what would we do differently?

d)???? How can we turn this challenge into an opportunity?

e)????? Who else can we reach out to seek valuable insights in this scenario?

f)????? What current market trends are we currently unaware of?

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??3. Collaborative Questioning and Listening —

As I mentioned, it’s impossible for one person to have all the right answers, just as it’s unrealistic to expect one person to ask all the right questions. To truly experience how questions can work magic, it’s essential to collaborate ??with team members across the business and cross-functional teams. Encourage everyone to list the questions they have regarding the situation at hand. Once all questions are gathered, compile them into a unique list and move towards problem-solving and actionable solutions.

Additionally, the questions should shift from blaming to understanding. Instead of asking your team, “Why didn’t you meet your productivity targets?” consider more empowering questions that reflect curiosity, such as:

a. “What was your biggest challenge in achieving your productivity targets?”

b. “What new or different strategies are you planning to implement to meet and exceed your targets?”

c. “What's one key support or resource you believe would help you confidently meet your targets??”?

Once you've asked these questions, remember to listen actively. Set aside your preconceived notions—your filters—that may lead you to assume you already know the answers (you may find yourself assuming the team faced challenges due to holidays, attrition, or has discipline issues.) Being fully present in the moment lets you hear what your team has to share. In doing so, you create an environment where team members feel safe to express their uncertainties, encouraging a culture of collaboration and trust.

Empowering questions can transform our thoughts and focus, making them an invaluable tool for success.

As George Bernard Shaw famously said, “Some men see things as they are and say, 'Why?' I dream of things that never were and say, 'Why not?'”

More Power of Questions To You??

Keep smiling and Keep shining…??

Source -

*Awaken the Giant Within - Tony Robbins

**https://hbr.org/2015/03/relearning-the-art-of-asking-questions?ab=at_art_art_pb_1x4_s04

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As a Connection Coach, I specialize in working with aspiring and seasoned leaders embrace connection —self, social, and spiritual. I help them develop a strong sense of identity and purpose, along with a robust social network, to experience a more fulfilled and connected life.