How a Question Changed Ben Hogan’s Life, And What We Can Learn from It.

Why do we never get the answer when we’re knocking at the door?

Lyric from the song ‘The Question’

By the Moody Blues

At the time of his death in 1997, Ben Hogan was widely considered one of the greatest golfers ever, second only to Jack Nicklaus. Though they both played the same game, by the same rules and held the same aspirations, they did not approach the game the same way.

Ben Hogan could never have achieved this level of success by answering the same question as Nicklaus. Conventional wisdom says excellent putting is required for golfing success. Nicklaus focused on putting and is regarded by many as the best putter ever. Conversely, Hogan was considered a poor putter. “How could Ben Hogan improve his putting?” That was the question he believed he needed to answer. He was wrong.?

Hogan exerted extensive effort into “fixing” his putting without success until his wife asked him, “Why don’t you just hit the ball closer to the hole?” Ben could have dismissed this as a na?ve question unworthy of his attention. However, Hogan did not reject it.

His wife’s question resonated with him. After reflecting on it, he identified it as the right question for him. He dedicated himself to placing the ball closer to the hole with his shots to the green, thereby leaving himself shorter, easier putts.

The Hogan narrative is notable for several reasons. Valerie Hogan thought innovatively, outside conventional wisdom. Ben did not filter her question and write it off as unfit for consideration. He paid attention to how the question made him feel. Hogan resisted the compulsion to continue rounding out his weakness and focused on leveraging his strength instead.

Change Your Questions, Change Your Results

Ben Hogan’s new question led to different outcomes. It inspired him to develop one of the best swings in the history of golf and to make significant contributions to swing theory and fundamentals. When asked if?Tiger Woods?was the best ball striker he had ever seen, Jack Nicklaus responded, "No, no – Ben Hogan, easily.”

Hogan never perfected his putting. His dedication to living in alignment with the right question did result in his winning nine major championships, tied for the fourth most wins of all time.

Hogan’s story clearly illustrates that the quality of our questions, in combination with how we answer them, powerfully impacts the quality of our outcomes. Individually and organizationally, the questions we ask make all the difference.

The world would have been deprived of this iconic one-iron shot off the 18th fairway onto the green at the 1950 U.S. Open at Merion Country Club, forcing a playoff he won the following day.

Worthy Inquiries:

1.???? How can we remain open to the best questions, regardless of their source?

2.???? How can we keep attuned to how particular questions affect us?

3.???? How can we focus on amplifying what we do best and withstand pressures to emphasize correcting our weaknesses?

4.???? How can we learn to respond to the most worthwhile in resourceful ways with all we have?

5.???? How can leaders and managers foster creative questioning and maintain a culture of candor in their organizations, encouraging people to speak up and take risks?

Please contact me for help asking the foundational questions that matter most to improve the ways you lead yourself, your team, and your company.

Robert Hackman, Principal, 4C Consulting – Courageously Curious Consulting and Coaching, helps people live and lead with fewer regrets. He grows and develops leaders through executive coaching, strategy consulting, facilitation, and training of individuals, teams, and organizations. He is committed to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. He facilitates trusting environments that promote uncommonly candid conversations. Rob is also passionate about the power of Everyday Legacies and developing Legacy Mindsets. He has conducted over 50 Legacy interviews with people to date.?

He is a serious man with a dry sense of humor who loves absurdity. Rob can often be found hiking rocky elevations or making music playlists. His varied mixes, including Pandemic Playlists and Music About Men, can be found on Spotify.

Bravely bring your curiosity to a conversation with Rob at 484.800.2203 or [email protected].