How to Ask Better Questions
Three Types of Questions for Helping People Do Amazing Things Together
Relational intelligence hinges on using and interpreting various question types—shadow, open, and bridging questions—to foster connections and understanding, while leaders should cultivate self-awareness and recognize the unique inquiry styles of their team members to enhance collaboration and value.
The 3i Creativity Method (Inquiry)
Natalie Nixon emphasizes the importance of questioning for creativity, advocating for a blend of divergent, convergent, and hybrid questions while embracing ambiguity to foster collaboration and innovation within teams.
Posing Questions
Dale Carnegie emphasizes that people resist being told what to do, so marketing professor Jonah Berger suggests using questions instead to foster openness, encourage commitment, and demonstrate genuine interest in others' perspectives for more effective persuasion.
Use Questions to Demonstrate Competence, Commitment, and Compatibility
Confucius's wisdom on questioning aligns with career advisor Gorick Ng's strategies for effective communication in the workplace, emphasizing that asking thoughtful questions and providing well-researched answers fosters collaboration and showcases your proactive engagement.
Develop Superpowers by Investigating What Others Won’t
Zen masters refer to “know-nothing mind” as a state of openness where asking seemingly “dumb” or “absurd” questions can lead to breakthroughs, encouraging individuals to overcome the fear of embarrassment and challenge their assumptions for transformative insights.
Six Ways to Frame Your Asks to Get What You Want
In a video lesson, Michelle Tillis Lederman offers strategies for making requests effectively in professional relationships, emphasizing the importance of considering the other person's comfort and providing options, while also highlighting the benefits of the ask to facilitate a positive response.
This class emphasizes the transformative power of questions in building relational intelligence, highlighting how different types of questions—shadow, open, and bridging—can either connect or divide us. Instructors like Natalie Nixon and Jonah Berger guide participants through understanding the nuances of inquiry styles, encouraging self-awareness and empathy in communication. By mastering the art of questioning, learners can foster authentic connections, promote creativity, and enhance collaboration, ultimately leading to more effective leadership and teamwork. The lessons stress that asking the right questions can unlock new opportunities and perspectives, making it an essential skill in both personal and professional contexts.
Throughout the course, various experts, including Gorick Ng and Michelle Tillis Lederman, provide practical strategies for asking and answering questions that facilitate understanding and cooperation. They advocate for embracing ambiguity, using open-ended inquiries to encourage dialogue, and framing requests in ways that prioritize the comfort of others. By cultivating a questioning mindset, participants learn to navigate complex interactions and foster a culture of curiosity and support. This class not only equips individuals with the tools to enhance their relational skills but also underscores the importance of inquiry as a means of growth and connection in an increasingly collaborative world.
Learning Objectives
- Craft questions that get people on your side.
- Increase creativity and collaboration through inquiry.