I Question that Assumption

I Question that Assumption


All my life, I’ve questioned a lot of things. Whether I was at home, at work or in social situations, I was always asking questions or questioning the status quo.

When I was in 5thgrade, the boys and girls were separated for a short session on our changing bodies and how babies were born.

When I got home, I asked my mom, “How many times did you and Dad do it before I was born?”

When I went into sales, my boss once said to me, “Why do you keep asking me all those questions?” Years later, my 16-year-old son said, “Mom, will you quit asking me all those questions?”

So clearly, I’m a person of questionable character. (Note: Maybe you should stop reading at this point.)

Right now, I’m questioning a lot of the political assumptions that are “out there” these days. Things like:

  • We’re hopelessly divided as a nation.
  • They (insert political party) will ruin the nation if they get in power.
  • “Only I can fix it.”
  • There’s no way we can come together.

We need to stop buying into this doomsday thinking. It creates fear, anxiety, and dread which—as research shows—makes our brain freeze. We get stuck in downward spiral, unable to think about creating a better future.

What we really need to do is start asking questions like these:

  • What do we have in common?
  • How can we bring people together to solve the challenges we’re facing?
  • What’s possible if we pool our ideas and resources?

These types of questions open us up to new ways of thinking. We stop condemning the “others.” We see that positive options are possible.

So, you see, questions really are the answer. I hope you’ll join me in asking questions that get us working together. Our future depends on it!

“Be curious. Not judgmental.” ~ Ted Lasso


Linda J. Hertz, retired HR Director

PPSC Adjunct Business Faculty; Available for Coaching: Resume Rescue & Interview Intervention

5 个月

Cool article Jill. I have always asked a lot of questions too. Drove the German teacher nuts. Fun to see you at the reunion and thanks for hosting it! ??

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Andre Santos Vieira

Building Amazing Teams | Scalable Sales Processes ?? | Sales Growth Advisor for Startups & SMBs | Data-Driven Decision Making ?? | SaaS, FinTech, Cloud | 10+ Years in Global Sales Leadership

6 个月

Jill Konrath, this really hits home! You’re right—asking the right questions can completely shift the way we look at things, especially in such a divided world. Instead of getting stuck in fear and negativity, focusing on what brings us together opens the door to real change. Thanks for the reminder that curiosity is key to finding solutions. Let’s keep asking the important questions!

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Great advice

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Angela BOTIBA, MBA, MHA

Board Member | Committed to Healthcare Improvement | Diversity & Inclusion Advocate

6 个月

This reflection on the power of asking questions is both insightful and timely. Ultimately, as you point out, questions are not only a way to understand the world but also a means to build a better future together.

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Mike Ogden

Content Marketing Writer/Editor/Manager

6 个月

If you turn off your phone, disengage from social media, avoid the political signs and take a walk, you’ll find common ground with your neighbors. It’s about fall. It’s about landscaping, leaf pickup, sports, kids soccer, Halloween, school, golf, dogs. It’s life—not stupid eating dogs and cats, the border, none of that.

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