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Being rooted in curiosity, asking questions enables individuals to explore the unknown and tackle challenges. Questions shape how we frame problems and challenges, allowing us to approach them from different angles. Authentic curiosity drives good questioning, leading to the discovery of new perspectives and solutions.
From a young age, factors like educational systems and societal norms discourage questioning, making it seem inefficient or uncool. Lack of reward for asking questions and the perception of questions as distractions contribute to a decline in curiosity. Knowledge also plays a role, as feeling knowledgeable can hinder the inclination to ask questions.
There is no right or wrong way to ask questions, but authentic curiosity is key. While informed questions can be more insightful, outsider questions from novices can bring fresh perspectives. Good questions do not require categorization by level but should stem from genuine curiosity about the subject.
Asking naive questions, similar to those of a four-year-old, can lead to valuable insights and prompt individuals to rethink their approach. Both informed and uninformed questions are essential, fostering a culture where questioning is valued, fostering worthwhile discussions and fresh perspectives.
Encouraging questions, giving them focus, and guiding individuals to explore answers on their own can foster curiosity and ownership of the learning process. Rather than providing immediate answers, nurturing ownership of questions can lead to innovation and continuous learning in various environments, whether in education, companies, or personal development.
Through asking the right questions we can spark innovation and creativity, gain deeper knowledge in the topics that are most important to us, and propel us forward in our personal and professional pursuits.
Yet very few of us do it well — if we do it at all.
My guest on the podcast today is Warren Berger — journalist, speaker, best selling author, and self-proclaimed questionologist.
His insightful book A More Beautiful Question shows how the world’s leading innovators, education leaders, creative thinkers, and red-hot start-ups ask game-changing questions to nurture creativity, solve problems, and create new possibilities.
In this episode, we discuss the importance of asking the right questions, why they’re critical to your success, and how you may be one great question away from a major breakthrough.
You’ll also learn:
If you think you could improve the quality (and frequency) of your questions to enhance key areas of your life, this is not a conversation you’ll want to miss.
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