‘The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing. One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries merely to comprehend a little of this mystery every day. Never lose a holy curiosity.” – Albert Einstein.
[dropcap]W[/dropcap]hen I am asked which is the most important competence of a communicator, I always say: curiosity i.e. the ability to ask good, insightful questions. It is said that if you ask, you shall receive.
You probably make use of high-tech, elaborate research techniques and methodologies. This is very good. However, the possibility of asking questions directly via face to face question and answers sessions unveils fantastic insights.
Asking powerful and insightful questions will allow you to:
- get the big picture. You must put together the whole story of your business needs and it is critical to understand the marketplace in totality including key trends and the views of key constituents in your overall marketing process.
- get a depth of discussion. A thorough questions and answers session allows for a depth of discussion on a particular topic of mutual interest to you and your subject.
- get a greater candor. Often, people are more willing to share openly when in a one-on-one environment.
It is not the events that shape your business and personal life that determine how you feel and act, but rather it is the way you interpret and evaluate those experiences. The meaning you attach to an event will determine the decisions you make, the actions you take. Interpreting and evaluating means asking and answering questions. And good questions means good answers.
A set of consistent questions empowers you, in your business and in your personal life. For me, the following set of POWER QUESTIONS works as magic:
- What is great about this issue?
- What is not perfect yet?
- What am I (or the person I am talking to) willing to make in order to make it the way I (or the person I am talking to) want(s) it?
- What am I (or the person I am talking to) wiling to no longer do in order to make it the way I (or the person I am talking to) want(s) it?
- How can I (or the person I am talking to) enjoy the process while I do what is necessary to make it the way I (or the person I am talking to) want(s) it?