When Are Questions Powerful?

The Art Of Asking Powerful Questions

QI have heard of people saying “powerful questions” instead of just “questions”. Is there any difference? Would not the use of

“questions” alone suffice? If there is a difference, then what tips can you offer me to be good in asking powerful questions?

APowerful questions are very different from normal everyday questions. Normal questions usually do not stimulate our thoughts and senses as they are only for fact-finding. The truth is, many people do not pay attention to making their questions powerful. However, when their questions are powerful, they stretch and challenge people to “see” more. This is needed as many people live in their comfort zone and hence can be “mentally lazy”.

Asking powerful questions requires deep listening on what the other person is saying and not saying. Notice, observe and more importantly, feel the person’s feelings and emotions through their spoken and unspoken words and to watch out for words that reflect their self-limiting beliefs.

Move them out with more “what” than “why” questions as they are more objective and less emotional. Finally, always believe they can do it; for example, ask “What will you do?” instead of “What do you think you can do?” These few tips should make you better in asking powerful questions.

POWERFUL QUESTIONS

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How can you stop the self-talk going on in your head when listening?

How can you “fall in love” with what they want to tell you? What can help you pick up words in what they are saying? What other efforts will you put in to ask powerful questions?