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 are assessing 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 consistently living your life based on those farfetched conclusions and unexamined perceptions.

Truly, this kind of topical, surface-based thinking is not the recipe for living an empowered life. Whether you want to do thee work or not, things are often not what they seem; they require deeper thinking and some serious consideration before you come to a conclusion.

If you know anything about truth, you realise that it’s lying at the bottom of the ocean floor as opposed to floating on the surface. This is what we mean when we say we need to get to “bottom” of things. Unless you begin the process of asking the ‘right’ kind of questions, you may never come to know the truth that lies beneath.

Asking the right questions empowers you to do just that. So we’re into the second month of this brand new year – what truth are you seeking to enable you to live a better, more empowered life? Are you asking the right questions?

I find that most people hold little consideration for the quality of their questions. They become so hungry looking for answers that 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 the right questions are?

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 and 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. 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 question. 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 hidden treasures. Everybody has one. But most pay very little attention to their diamond mine, allowing it to be misused.

You must take your diamond mine to heart. Give it your full attention. It is your personal treasure. It has 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 and communications expert. Visit www.taketheleadbook.com or send mail to P O Box CB-13060.