Three Minute Leadership: The Power of Asking the “Right” Question

To: The Great Leaders Who Have a Passion for Continuous Learning

Tony Robbins said: “Successful people ask better questions and, as a result, they get better answers.” W. Edwards Deming adds to this writing: “If you don’t know how to ask the right question, you discover nothing.” Great leaders understand the power of asking the “right” question. They know that what you ask is what you get. A simple example helps demonstrate this. When confronted with an obstacle or wall that impedes progress, the question could be asked: “How can I get around this wall?” A better question could be posed as: “ Once I get around this wall, what new wonders will I be able to realize to fulfill my dreams?” The better question creates new possibilities and better solutions.

In his book, The Flight of the Eagle, Jiddu Krishnamurti tells great leaders: “To ask the right question is far more important than to receive the answer. The solution of a problem lies in the understanding of the problem; the answer is not outside the problem, it is in the problem.” The formulation of the “right” question is one of exploration, open-mindedness and big-picture thinking, one emanating from our priorities and purpose… what we think is what we are.  As Bernard Baruch said: “Millions saw the apple fall, but Newton was the one who asked why.” Be that one who asks why.

Have a beautiful day and a magnificent week!!!

Mike

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