In case you missed it…
I’m posting this in mid-March 2021, with spring finally on its way here in New York. Below are two new posts in my ongoing “The Questionologist” column for PsychologyToday.com, and a great podcast conversation about the power of questions to improve your life.
Are You Intellectually Humble?
Being willing to admit you “don’t know” can help you thrive.
• Intellectual humility is an openness to new ideas and sources of evidence.
• The “need to be right” can keep someone stuck on a false belief and prolong arguments.
• Reflective questionssuch as “Would I rather be ‘right’—or would I rather understand?” can serve as reminders to stay intellectually humble.
This column was inspired by author and Wharton organizational psychologist Adam Grant’s latest bestseller Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know
(See all my recommended good reads about critical thinking here)
How to Guide People Without Giving Advice
We are inclined to give advice to others, but there’s a better alternative.
• Giving advice to others gives us a sense of control and status, which may make us feel good but usually isn’t all that helpful to the other person.
• Instead of giving advice, we can guide people to find their own answers through a combination of listening and asking questions.
• Asking “What is the real challenge here for you?” followed by “And what else?” helps people focus on the most important problem they are trying to solve.
This column includes an interview with leadership coach Michael Bungay Stanier, along with quotes from his new book The Advice Trap: Be Humble, Stay Curious & Change the Way You Lead Forever.
I recently had a great conversation with Tyler Chesser of the popular Elevate podcast about learning how to find your own question, challenge conventional wisdom, effectively engage with others, and set yourself up for success through the power of asking better questions. We also discussed:
• The transition from authoritarian to questioning leadership, and many other interesting paradoxes
• Examples of great, imaginative business questions
• Types of questions and the power of “How might?”
• Mission statements versus mission questions
• How can questions be a great motivational tool
• The secret to being a great listener
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