A good question can do wonders. It can clear ambiguity, spark curiosity, provoke introspection, invoke empathy, reveal intentions and even foster connections to name a few.
Many great leaders in history and today are known not for always having the right answers but largely in part because they always asked good questions.
Also many if not all of our greatest inventions and breakthroughs as a society and species started with a question and a set of curious minds seeking the answer to that question. That’s how powerful questions can be!
(Photo of me asking questions at a local AI event)
I use questions often for these reasons as it is highly effective
I believe questions are the stepping stones to deeper understanding, knowledge and clarity.
I also believe there are no bad questions, just questions irrelevant to the topic being discussed – misplaced or mistimed might be a better way to put it.
Also from my research, there is no defacto framework on what a good question is. However, a quick search online will present you with many frameworks if you do want to know more about that. The best way I’ve found to asking a good question is just keep asking them!
Next time you have a burning question, ask it. Ask those follow up questions too.
In the spirit of asking questions, I want to know your favourite questions. Send me an email at riko@rikohamblin.com with 2 or 3 of your favourite questions and why are these your favourite ones. I may do something with these in the future!