The Power of Questions

Hey Friends!

Have you ever thought about the power of questions? They can unlock new insights, spark creativity, and build stronger relationships. That's why I would like to share some insights from "The Coaching Habit" by Michael Bungay Stanier.

In the book, Stanier talks about how asking the right questions can help us become better listeners and coaches. He identifies seven key questions that can help us cut through the noise and get to the heart of the matter:

1. What's on your mind?
2. And what else?
3. What's the real challenge here for you?
4. What do you want?
5. How can I help?
6. If you're saying yes to this, what are you saying no to?
7. What was most useful or valuable for you?

By asking these questions, we can help others explore their own thinking, discover their own solutions, and take ownership of their own problems. We can also learn to be more present, curious, and empathetic in our interactions with others.

It's important to remember that people already have the answers, but we may not have asked the right questions. We need to ask questions that help people think deeply and examine their thoughts and feelings. By doing so, we can help them find solutions they may not have otherwise considered.

But there is a danger to asking questions. Stanier calls it the "advice monster," the instinct to jump in and offer suggestions and solutions before understanding the problem. The advice monster can lead to unhelpful, surface-level conversations.

To curb the advice monster, Stanier suggests asking "And what else?" This helps keep the focus on the other person's thoughts and feelings and encourages them to dig deeper. By resisting the urge to offer advice and instead focusing on the other person's perspective, we can foster more meaningful conversations and build stronger relationships.

Personally, I've found that asking questions has been key to building stronger relationships. By approaching conversations with curiosity and a desire to learn, I've been able to deepen my understanding of others and build trust.

So, the next time you're in a conversation, try asking a question or two. And when the advice monster creeps in, take a breath, ask "And what else?" and see where the conversation takes you.

Have a great week! Aakash

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