Asking Powerful Questions

"Questions are the the gateway to change"

Through literature and classroom, we are told the importance of asking questions. Nothing is truer as questions help us explore boundaries, ideas, possibilities, and even own self.

Yet, even with the right intent, what questions we are ask is just as important as asking questions. I feel the answer varies depending on if we are asking the question to self or someone else.

The best self questions, the one that helps peel the onion are the "WHY" questions. They can help dig deeper into out motivations, plans, and get to the root cause of action/ inaction/ chosen options.

Ask the same "WHY" question to someone else, and you may not get the expected answer. In many cases it back fires for it's viewed as questioning the intent or even understanding of something. In external world interactions, especially in the professional sphere. the "WHAT" and the "HOW" questions are better received and can be just as potent as the “WHY” questions.

Example: Say you want to ask your colleague "Why are we building this product, and say you are new to the team you could also ask it as "What customer need will this solve for" and/or "How is the product expected to contribute to the company's objectives" etc. By making the question more specific you make it easier for your colleagues to answer it, without making them feel defensive.

Takeaway: While “WHY” questions are more powerful for the self and in more intimate settings, the “WHAT” and “HOW” questions are equally powerful but better received in the professional and social setting.