The Tribune

By MICHELLE MILLER

ONE of the core principles emphasised in my public speaking programme is the importance of thinking critically and asking the ‘right’ questions. To speak well you must think well. There is no other way to gain clarity about who, what, when, where, why and or how the situation you’re observing came into being.

Too often, we look too quickly at the surface of things and draw conclusions that cannot stand up to the light of day.

If this wasn’t bad enough, imagine living your life based on those farfetched conclusions and unexamined perceptions.

Truly, this surface thinking is not the recipe for living the life you love. Things are often mere illusions, a residue that coats the surface of life. Truth, however resides on the ocean floor, and to live truthfully you must dive deeper.

This is what asking the ‘right’ questions empowers you to do. What about you? As you navigate your daily life, are you asking the ‘right’ questions?

I find that most people hold little consideration for the quality of their questions. So overwhelmed by their hunt for answers, they fail to understand that without asking the ‘right’ questions the so-called ‘right’ answers remain elusive.

Pure and simple, questions are more important than answers, but they must be the ‘right’ questions. However, how do you know what is the ‘right’ question?

While ‘right’ may be relative, I define ‘right’ questions as bigger, open-ended questions that stimulate thinking, generate insight and expand the scope of possible outcomes.

When asking the ‘right’ questions, it is critical to listen attentively and wait for the answer rather than inadvertently providing the answer. This is particularly true in the workplace and working within a team to solve a problem.

Often people merely state the problem without understanding the need for those involved to pinpoint the underlying cause of it. They must understand more about the problem. Most times what we think is the problem is merely a symptom of the problem.

Here is a good place to ask some bigger, stimulating and thought-provoking questions. These kinds of questions will generate a deeper, more thorough discussion that permits the team to think deeper in finding an effective solution to the problem.

Perhaps you may find it of value to apply this process to your life when dealing with your problems or challenges. Remember James Allen’s wise words, “Your life follows your thoughts”.

This means that to experience a bigger life you must think bigger to ask bigger questions.

You cannot solve any problem in your life without asking the ‘right’ questions about the cause of the problem. Without understanding the cause, any quick fix solutions are topical and temporary at best.

If you are not living a life of happiness, now is the time to ask yourself some bigger questions. One such question is, what kind of thoughts do you allow safe harbour in your mind?

The quality of your thinking will result in the quality of the questions you ask and answers you receive.

Quality thinking matters most. You cannot live a ‘rich’ quality life if your mind is invested with ‘poor’ quality thoughts. The mind is a diamond mine of treasures hidden within all beings. Everybody has one. But most pay very little attention to their diamond mind; allowing it to be misused.

You must take your diamond mind to heart. Give it your full attention. It is your personal treasure. It holds no limits and can give you whatever you desire.

This statement is as true as blood is red.

Those who live the ‘good’ life know the power of asking the ‘right’ questions.

The great Einstein said, “If I had an hour to solve a problem and my life depended on the solution, I would spend the first 55 minutes determining the proper question to ask. For once I know the proper question, I could solve the problem in less than five minutes.”

These words from Einstein solidify the importance of contemplating and asking the ‘right’ questions. Make today the day that you reevaluate the quality of your questions.

Commit yourself to asking the ‘right’ questions that empowers your capacity to live the life that you love.

What do you think?

Please send your comments to coaching242@yahoo.com or 429-6770.

• Michelle M Miller is a certified life coach, leadership expert and author of “Take The Lead”. She is the CEO of TTL Coaching Strategies and founder of the Girls Leadership Coaching Club.