Mining The Answers With Questions

Asking the right question is half the answer.
— Aristotle (384–322 BC)

A wise man can learn more from a foolish question than a fool can learn from a wise answer. — Bruce Lee (November 27, 1940 — July 20, 1973)

If I had an hour to solve a problem that my life depends on it, I’d spend 55 minutes thinking about the proper question to ask and 5 minutes thinking about solutions. — Albert Einstein (March 14, 1879 — April 18, 1955)

When we are met with a situation, most people will jump at the problem without getting clarity of the actual situation. Unbeknownst to most people, we are not aware of the full dimension of the situation right at the start when we discover or came to a realization of its existence.

The situation consists of multiple facets, and we are part of the equation. That means, as a subject of the situation, we are not aware that we directly become part of how the situation will develop. Our interpretation of the situation becomes the foremost critical step, and it behooves us to create the analysis before the synthesis of decision or plan of the intervention.

Questions help us to discover the unknowns and un-thought of, and neurologically create connections. Questioning is inviting and socially inclusive. Open questions invite and include people into collaborative synergy. It can be thought provocative and leading. It can also be an instrument to conduct `group flow`. Hence, it can be forged into a strategic Socratic tool for leaders to…