Question Thinking
- 1. 7/7/2011 Using Questions to Change the Way We Think, the Way We Act and the Results We Get A system of tools for transforming thinking, action and results through skillful question asking – questions we ask ourselves as well as those we ask others Involves being conscious and intentional about the questions we ask ourselves and others (and the mindset we are operating from when we ask those questions) Fuels a positive, solution-oriented approach to problems, challenges, opportunities Strengthens your ability to observe yourself and your role in processes and in outcomes 1
- 2. 7/7/2011 Responsive, thoughtful Reactive, automatic Values not knowing Knows it already Flexible and adaptive Inflexible and rigid Defends assumptions Questions assumptions Sees possibilities as See possibilities as limitless limited Primary mood: Primary mood: Curious Protective Learner Mindset Judger Mindset What’s working? What’s wrong? What’s my part? Who’s fault is it? What might I learn How can I make them from/about this? see I’m right? What other possibilities What other problems will this present? might there be? Learner Questions Judger Questions Learner Leaders build loyalty, trust, cooperation and risk-taking Judger Leaders generate fear, distrust and conflict 2
- 3. 7/7/2011 Empower your observer ◦ Notice “what is” ◦ Be mindful of the role our own emotions, opinions or attachments play in the results we are getting ◦ Invaluable skill for negotiating change, making decisions, operating effectively under pressure and relating well to others ◦ Places us in an ideal position to recognize where we are at on the Learner/Judger continuum Using a “Choice Map”; Correcting Course ◦ When faced with a difficult situation or decision, imagine yourself at a crossroads between Leaner Path and Judger Path ◦ Experiment by taking each path separately – asking yourself both learner and judger questions ◦ Course Correction: When on the Judger Path, consider what “Switching Questions” might get you into the Switching Lane and return you to the Learner Path A (Aware)-B (Breathe)- C (Curiosity) – C (Choice) Putting the Power of Questions to Work ◦ Internal Questions Questions we ask ourselves How do our questions influence our behavior Are we more inclined to make statements or ask questions? ◦ Interpersonal Questions Questions we ask others How do our questions impact interactions, results Are we more inclined to make statements or ask questions? 3
- 4. 7/7/2011 Make Friends with Judger ◦ Awareness and acceptance of existence within ourselves and others liberates us to make better choices ◦ With awareness comes ability to recognize and switch to learner mindset, learner questions Question Assumptions ◦ Making an assumption involves believing something is true without necessarily having any basis in fact ◦ Best way to uncover our own blind spots- assumptions – is to ask ourselves skillful questions What assumptions might I be making? How else can I think about this? What other possible explanation (reality?) might there be? Q-Storming ◦ Good approach when seeking breakthroughs in decision-making, problem solving, strategic planning, innovation ◦ Based on three premises: 1. Great results begin with great questions 2. Most any problem can be solved with enough of the right questions 3. The questions we ask ourselves often provide the most fruitful openings for new thinking and possibilities 4
- 5. 7/7/2011 Q-Thinking Group Exercise ◦ Review scenario and related assumptions ◦ Discuss among group ◦ Build 8-10+ Learner Questions Mix of Internal Questions and Interpersonal Questions Question Guidelines: First person (using I or we) Open-ended vs. yes/no (How can I/We? vs. Can I/We?) Assume a Learner Mindset when framing questions Need questions to think with, open up the possibilities - not drive to the first answer Any questions that indicate the need for “Course Correction”? …ABCC… 5