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What’s in a question?

By: Scott Winter

I often ponder this question when when working with kids.

The questions you ask can open a world of possibilities or squash the life out of a good conversation - or worse, devalue a person’s sense of purpose.

Reflecting more deeply upon this and trying out different ways of asking questions, you’ll begin to understand that…

• Within a question there is an opportunity to build upon or destroy the creative genius that lies inside each of us.

- “If you could do anything what would it be?” or “What’s your problem?”

• Within a question there is an answer to a problem that has yet to be discovered.

- “If anything imagineable were possible, how would you solve (insert
problem here)?”

• Within a question there is an opportunity to inspire an individual to act for the good of their community.

- “What positive impact will you have in your community?”

• Within a question there are infinite possibilities to explore.

- “What would happen if…?”

• Within a question there is space for someone to reflect upon and examine the life they wish to live.

- “What three things must I do to improve the quality of my life?”

What do you see, hear or feel within a question?

Please share.

Last 5 posts in Facilitation and Leadership

Posted by swinter on Wednesday, August 30th, 2006 at 11:41 am.

6 Responses to “What’s in a question?”

I’m really glad that I found this blog. Something to bear in mind: In many ways the questions that somebody asks are far more important than the answers. This statement is especially true in a period of history when knowledge changes as quickly as it does.

Andrew Pass
http://www.Pass-Ed.com/blogger.html

Left by Andrew Pass on September 4th, 2006

Andrew,

Thanks for your reply!

In the spirit of inquiry…what would happen if we continued to explore the power of questions? Where would this sort of mind walk lead?

Cheers,

Scott

Left by Scott Winter on September 6th, 2006

That’s a great question. I’m not sure about the answer. (No pun intended here.) But what do you mean where would this sort of mind walk lead? Where would you expect it to lead? Where would you want it to lead? I’m wondering what a history course might look like if we examined the questions that great leaders have asked. At the same time, I’m concerned that many of our leaders have not asked great questions, they’ve tried so hard to convince their followers that they had the answers. Would we have to go back to Socrates and ancient Greek philosophers? What does this say about the nature of the public and our leaders today?

Andrew Pass
http://www.Pass-Ed.com/blogger.html

Left by Andrew Pass on September 6th, 2006

Andrew,

I completely agree with your first post about how questions are sometimes far more important than the answers. I don’t know how many times I have heard that “the answers you are going to get are predicated on your questions and the way they are asked.” I think people, when posed with positive, constructive questions will begin to see opportunities and growth rather than the alternative. It’s just so easy to be negative in our internal and external dialog.

Scott, if more people explored the art of questioning I’m not sure there would be enough hemlock to go around ;-) . The potential is astonishing if people asked better questions, thought before they spoke and asked the sort of questions internally and externally that would lead to positive growth. From “why can’t’s” to “how could I’s I guess.” Such a small change for such tremendous results. What do YOU think? (always a great question).

Left by Mike on September 6th, 2006

[…] Everyone should check it out. […]

Left by Into PR » Blogging Success on September 7th, 2006

In the book QBQ, The Question Behind the Question, Jim Miller talks about asking questions that lead to personal accountability. In my work with students I have found this to be a critical approach. Students are so accustomed to going through the motions with out ever really reflecting on what’s going on at that moment. The “right questions” have the wonderful affect of causing students to stop and recognize their power to direct their world. Personal accountability questions don’t focus on the problem, they focus on solutions. Nice article Scott.

Mike W

Left by MikeW on September 8th, 2006

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