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7/7/2011
Using Questions to Change the
Way We Think, the Way We Act and
the Results We Get
A system of tools for transforming
thinking, action and results
through skillful question asking –
questions we ask ourselves as
well as those we ask others
 Involves being conscious and intentional
about the questions we ask ourselves and
others (and the mindset we are operating
from when we ask those questions)
 Fuels a positive, solution-oriented approach
to problems, challenges, opportunities
 Strengthens your ability to observe yourself
and your role in processes and in outcomes
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7/7/2011
 Responsive, thoughtful  Reactive, automatic
 Values not knowing  Knows it already
 Flexible and adaptive  Inflexible and rigid
 Defends assumptions
 Questions assumptions
 Sees possibilities as
 See possibilities as
limitless
limited
 Primary mood:
 Primary mood: Curious Protective
Learner Mindset Judger Mindset
 What’s working?  What’s wrong?
 What’s my part?  Who’s fault is it?
 What might I learn  How can I make them
from/about this? see I’m right?
 What other possibilities  What other problems
will this present?
might there be?
Learner Questions Judger Questions
 Learner Leaders build loyalty, trust,
cooperation and risk-taking
 Judger Leaders generate fear, distrust and
conflict
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7/7/2011
 Empower your observer
◦ Notice “what is”
◦ Be mindful of the role our own emotions, opinions
or attachments play in the results we are getting
◦ Invaluable skill for negotiating change, making
decisions, operating effectively under pressure and
relating well to others
◦ Places us in an ideal position to recognize where we
are at on the Learner/Judger continuum
 Using a “Choice Map”; Correcting Course
◦ When faced with a difficult situation or decision,
imagine yourself at a crossroads between Leaner
Path and Judger Path
◦ Experiment by taking each path separately – asking
yourself both learner and judger questions
◦ Course Correction: When on the Judger Path,
consider what “Switching Questions” might get you
into the Switching Lane and return you to the
Learner Path
 A (Aware)-B (Breathe)- C (Curiosity) – C (Choice)
 Putting the Power of Questions to Work
◦ Internal Questions
 Questions we ask ourselves
 How do our questions influence our behavior
 Are we more inclined to make statements or ask
questions?
◦ Interpersonal Questions
 Questions we ask others
 How do our questions impact interactions, results
 Are we more inclined to make statements or ask
questions?
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7/7/2011
 Make Friends with Judger
◦ Awareness and acceptance of existence within
ourselves and others liberates us to make better
choices
◦ With awareness comes ability to recognize and
switch to learner mindset, learner questions
 Question Assumptions
◦ Making an assumption involves believing something
is true without necessarily having any basis in fact
◦ Best way to uncover our own blind spots-
assumptions – is to ask ourselves skillful questions
 What assumptions might I be making?
 How else can I think about this?
 What other possible explanation (reality?) might there
be?
 Q-Storming
◦ Good approach when seeking breakthroughs in
decision-making, problem solving, strategic
planning, innovation
◦ Based on three premises:
1. Great results begin with great questions
2. Most any problem can be solved with enough
of the right questions
3. The questions we ask ourselves often provide
the most fruitful openings for new thinking and
possibilities
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7/7/2011
 Q-Thinking Group Exercise
◦ Review scenario and related assumptions
◦ Discuss among group
◦ Build 8-10+ Learner Questions
 Mix of Internal Questions and Interpersonal Questions
 Question Guidelines:
 First person (using I or we)
 Open-ended vs. yes/no (How can I/We? vs. Can I/We?)
 Assume a Learner Mindset when framing questions
 Need questions to think with, open up the possibilities - not
drive to the first answer
 Any questions that indicate the need for “Course Correction”?
…ABCC…
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