Thinking we have to be strong–or at least to look strong or to look like we know something–we make statements. We make our case. We argue.
And we forget the power of good question. To see this phenomenon at its most dysfunctional, observe most any politician.
Leaders (whether we have that title or not) use both statements and questions. Statements are great for naming the elephant in the room and for reminding each other of our mission, our SweetSpot. Questions are great for deepening understanding, fostering trust, and creating win-win.
In your corner,
Mike
PS: Some really helpful questions include these: “What is true now?” “What do we want to be true in the future?” and “Why?”