To learn continuously, ask questions constantly. This is the very cornerstone of learning. Many people already ask a lot of questions; some to the point of annoyance. However, those who stand out from the crowd ask a better quality of questions.
In today’s answer-oriented society, we have a dearth of good questions. We want information now, in digestible, low-calorie, high-fiber chunks. If the answer cannot be found on the first page of Google results, then it doesn’t exist or isn’t worth asking.
But it’s ok. It’s not your fault. Society teaches us to be Average and average people ask average questions. Average people ask “what?” or “when?” The socially inclined ask “who” (as in, “Who will see me there?”).
The Better than Average, those who stand out from the crowd, ask a different type of question. Their questions begin with “how?” or “why?” They probe for a deeper understanding of the issue. They want a greater context to provide better meaning. They want answers that aren’t readily found on the Internet. And sometimes, the answers they seek are high in fat, but a good fat, like Omega-3 found in salmon.
3 Most Powerful Questions
The Better than Average use the following 3 most powerful questions to get to the root of the issue:
- Why?
- So what?
- Who cares?
Once you can answer those questions, you will have a deeper understanding of your subject.
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Todd Brockdorf
Better than Average Guy
Author, Speaker, Consultant
[email protected]
Download Better than Average: Excelling in a Mediocre World
WHY is the MOST IMPORTANT question of all! It’s key in finding root cause of a problem, increasing employee engagement, and use to highlight your product’s unique value proposition. Great article Todd!
Thx Cynthia! “Why” is my personal favorite, as well. It’s amazing while doing some consulting, I ask the person, “Why do you do it like that?” and the light bulb goes off. “Good question.”