The Art of Asking Questions: Reviving Genuine Curiosity

Asking a question is a skill that creates space for exploring, understanding, and reflecting on the true nature of something.

Once digested, there is energy for movement.

Something that I've noticed recently is that the art of the question is becoming something of a lost art...simply because we've become so used to asking our questions not so much to other humans, but to our computers.

What I'm talking about is about how we communicate with each other, in person, not on a screen with emails or texts.

So much is lost in translation when we just use words.

Tone of voice, body language and context matters as much as the question asked!

Open Ended Questions

When an open ended question is asked, the process of discovery begins.

"What might we be missing here?" is a great question to ask when in a group setting, like a team at work or when in a planning committee.

Often, in the initial stages of something, setting the scene of inquiry means opening up for discussion some different ways of seeing a potential solution or even identifying the real problem.

Another opener is, "How else could this look?" This opens up further exploration when trying to find the answer to an approach to solving a problem or figuring something out.

In the beginning of a discussion, opening up the field of inquiry with provocative, open ended questions is a great way to gain insight rather than just getting to the 'right' answer.

Get Clear on Your Intention

Sometimes, many of us ask a question because we have a particular motive. Are you asking someone a question just to confirm what you already believe? Or are you really interested in discovering something new for yourself?

Something that I've noticed is the lost art of genuine curiosity, especially with younger people.

How you ask your question while considering your intention will frame how you get a response.

Do you want to learn something new or prove what you think you already know?

When to Cut to the Chase

Once the discovery phase is over, then it's time to bring out the knives.

Questions that are simple and sharp, like a knife, gets to the essence of issue.

Many times, we can get lost in the weeds and a sharply worded question can cut the weeds and get to the heart of the issue.

It's helpful to frame your questions with the intention, "If I only need to know one thing about this issue, what is it and who can give me an answer so we can get moving on a solution?"

Looking for Resonance

A good question should cause some pauses. Sometimes it might make others uncomfortable because it lingers, unanswered without reflection first. It opens up a discussion that maybe no one thought was even relevant, but now it is.

A good question can make energy move and strikes a chord with those that are on the receiving end of it.

Who knows where that chord, once struck, may lead to in the discussion?

Discovery is a marvelous thing.

Curiosity is the secret sauce to asking good questions.

Concerning ourselves with the"right" answer in the beginning stage can sometimes lead to the wrong destination.

Asking good questions, especially these days, is one of the most important things we can master if we want to go someplace new.

Random fact about me: I can cut hair.