E269 | How to Ask Better Questions

“If I had an hour to solve a problem and my life depended on the solution, I would spend the first 55 minutes determining the proper question to ask… for once I know the proper question, I could solve the problem in less than five minutes.” - Albert Einstein 

A good question might just be the most powerful tool you have in your communication arsenal.

Why? Well to start, questions are the vehicle through which we understand ourselves, exchange information, build rapport in relationships and persuade others. 

But asking great questions isn’t as easy as always starting with “why.”

In today’s episode, my colleague Ali Kershner and I dive deep into the research behind the power of great questions, how to hone your skill, and improve your social agility by knowing how and when to use these skills appropriately in everyday life.  Some of the specific pieces we talk about include:

• What makes questions so powerful, and why it’s important to ask better questions in the first place (12:10)
• Specific tactics and examples to help you ask better questions (25:00)
• The 3 C’s to becoming a better question asker (36:30)
• How to manage a conversation when you’re being asked tough questions (56:30)

There is A LOT packed into this episode.  So to help you connect all the dots, here are some other relevant resources:

E90: Coaching As Improv

E117: Impression Management in Leadership & Life

E194: How To Become A Better Listener

E228:  How To Choose The Right Platform For Your Message

E255: Podcast Strategies:  What I’ve Learned After 2,000,000+ Downloads

E257: ChatGPT & AI: What Is Hype VS What Is Helpful for Coaches & Leaders?

Research Paper: It doesn’t hurt to ask: Question-asking increases liking.

Updates on My New Book - Stay in the know

Reflections Questions - See graphics on Competitive and Cooperative Conversations

Newsletter - Be the first to know about our latest content, newest resources, and upcoming live events!

If you find value in becoming more intentional with your interactions, improving your social agility, and strengthening your interpersonal skills, you must put skin in the game and do the work.  These qualities don’t just develop on their own - they are skills to be practiced and refined. And to help you do that, we’ve created a wide variety of resources for you to take advantage of, whatever your circumstances may be.  From our digital community, to online courses, to live events, we can guide you where you want to go!

Our next live event is the Art of Coaching Speaker School.  This live 2 day experience not only gives you the knowledge you need to create a logical and clear presentation, but provides you with a safe environment to fail, one filled with people who want you to succeed, and are there to give you the feedback and encouragement you need to take steps forward.

The 2023 Edition of Speaker School is right around the corner - May 6th & 7th in Canton, GA - and spots are limited so we can give each individual the repetition and attention they need.  So don’t wait -  sign up today HERE

If you’re looking for something more long term, check out The Coalition. We’re biased, but if you’re in search of a personal board of directors, think tank and way to get around great leaders who will help you build a plan forward, it doesn’t get much better than this. 

Our next round is starting soon, and spots fill up quickly! Check out artofcoaching.com/coaltion for all details TODAY! 

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Therapy is a powerful tool for enhancing self awareness and understanding. Sometimes we can be unaware of our own desires and motivations, our wants and needs, and talking to a professional can help us gain valuable insights. We all know that leadership and coaching can be incredibly fulfilling, but it can also be challenging. It can lead to compassion fatigue and moments where we feel overwhelmed trying to help so many people to the best of our ability. When you're constantly giving yourself to others, it's easy to forget you also need to take care of your own needs. Luckily BetterHelp is here to well help.  Go to betterhelp.com/aoc today.