Comments on: Ask the Tough Questions

By: Anita Lobo

Anita Lobo — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 13:02:15 +0000

Had to get back here to share this:

@paulocoelho An interesting life is full of questions.
A boring life is full of answers.
.-= Anita Lobo´s last blog ..My new post on India PR Blog =-.

By: Erich Stauffer

Erich Stauffer — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 19:52:04 +0000

Knowing what questions to ask is sometimes the hardest, but most critical part, of any organization. If you start with the question most asked of yourself, “What do you want or desire in life? What is your purpose?” That answer may take years or a lifetime to answer, but those who find it and answer it early will be the most successful.

In the same way, when leader or maverick within an organization asks questions that will lead to success, they will inevitably be hard to answer, but the rewards will be success for that organization. You might say that questions and answers are the ying and yang of success.
.-= Erich Stauffer´s last blog ..The Gristmill at Spring Mill State Park: Mirror Matter Moon =-.

By: Danny Brown

Danny Brown — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 18:57:15 +0000

If you don’t ask the questions, how will a company ever make their business the place people want to work? Where they know their ideas/concerns will be listened to? Always ask the tough questions – otherwise you may as well just go and work at News International…
.-= Danny Brown´s last blog ..The Ego Has Landed (Or Has It?) =-.

By: Friday Linky Love | Small Hands, Big Ideas

Friday Linky Love | Small Hands, Big Ideas — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 15:02:01 +0000

[...] 7. Ryan Stephens Marketing: Ask Tough Questions [...]

By: Friday’s List of Links (LoL) « That’s All I Have To Say About That

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 12:31:22 +0000

[...] “Ask the Tough Questions” by Ryan Stephens (Ryan Stephens Marketing) – Ryan’s my buddy, but this one isn’t a biased choice. Learning to ask the tough questions is crucial to improving and building a stronger company. [...]

By: Carlos Miceli

Carlos Miceli — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 18:20:09 +0000

I remember a blog post from Ben Casnocha, talking about a book that he read, that said that questions are the important part of education.
We are constantly learning how to answer, instead of how to ask. And this is a crucial mistake, because progress lies in a question, in someone showing us a new door.
Education, work, personal philosophy, it’s all the same. questions rule.
.-= Carlos Miceli´s last blog ..You Can’t Handle The Truth =-.

By: admin

admin — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 17:37:01 +0000

I feel some animosity towards an old boss coming out there Matt. A bit off topic from the ‘asking questions’ topic, but per usual you’ve provided solid insight we can all learn from. Besides that’s what the comments are for, extending the conversation.

I think if you look at a lot of companies, particularly smaller ones the CEO who hires the right employees and then listens to their ideas, their push back, etc. (i.e. learning from employees) are the ones who invariably “make it big.”

Even to the point of productivity. Some employees constantly ask themselves what’s in it for them. Sure they’re getting paid, but that’s not enough anymore. If there’s not an incentive to go above and beyond, if you don’t believe in the company or share their values most people will do their job, but NEVER once think about going above and beyond.

By: admin

admin — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 17:31:58 +0000

Definitely some solid, practical advice there Elisa. (I’m going to have to start editing the posts and adding some of these awesome comments you all keep delivering into the actual posts.)

I’ve always really enjoyed the teachers, mentors, etc. that make us learn so much more by challenging us with questions instead of giving us answers. I think this is a skill you have to acquire, but using the same approach to superior definitely seems like a viable tactic worth exploring.

By: Matt Cheuvront

Matt Cheuvront — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 01:27:27 +0000

There are VERY few CEO’s who welcome in new ideas and welcome innovation and new approaches from their staff. Clearly I don’t have the tenure to back up the above statement, but from what I have gone through and seen others go through, when you’re at the bottom of the totem pole, you’re really at the bottom, and you’re treated as such. But, while CEO’s may have a right to be ‘right’ – it’s the ones who are at least willing to entertain new ideas from their crew that truly succeed. You hire (hopefully good) people for a reason – you do it because you believe they will bring value to your team, that they offer something unique and special. My memo to the CEO’s – Expect your employees to do what they were hired to do, but let them exceed expectations, promote a creative environment, and encourage innovation.
.-= Matt Cheuvront´s last blog ..The Treacherous First Step =-.

By: Elisa

Elisa — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 22:00:30 +0000

I’ve got to say I’m amazed with how many managers/owners/CEO’s suffer from Rose Colored Life. I don’t know if it’s that they’ve had to work so hard to get where they are, but a bunch that I’ve run into in the past few months just don’t WANT to hear about the things that need to change. They want everyone to be happy with their job, they want the clients to break down the doors (in a good way,)they don’t want life to be challenging.

That being said even they know deep inside that isn’t the way life is. A rose colored view generally means you have cataracts or something, and that’s not good. I would, however, offer this piece of observation on asking the “tough questions.” Ask tough questions with short, open ended questions that will help your higher up realize on their own the viewpoint you are presenting. It will be a much better “sell” than telling them why you think so. Additionally, the BEST open ended questions start with how and what NOT the word why. Why is reserved for 5 year olds wanting a cookie before dinner. How and what help to build the vision and discover the strengths/weaknesses “How will that look…what is the final outcome we hope to see here”