Thought provoking questions Questions that open up the mind

28 March 2013 Gurgaon

Think Talent Services Pvt Ltd

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Introduction

A leader is someone who can inspire others to take brave and motivating steps. He is someone who sets the example for others to follow. If we see the task of the leader as enabling others and helping build capability, then these are a set of questions that could help. These questions often not only bring out the best in people, but generate huge positive energies and commitment. So, lets take a look at the ten questions for the leaders to ask their people, which we often forget. Not all are my own—learnt from a whole range of sources.

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Question 1

‘What do you think?’

This is a great question to prod the other person’s mind to shift into the first gear. Or if they are already on a high gear, then it is a great tool for engagement and commitment, and of course listening to some fresh ideas. Often this question encourages everyone to state their views and creates an ideal atmosphere for discussions.

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Question 2

Why would you like to do it like this?

This question tells the other person that you are interested in his ideas and would want to reason it out with him. It can also clear all the doubts and suspicions surrounding the idea and is a good chance to check the intellectual level of the other person. This gives him a huge confidence boost and it also gives you the reasons behind the suggestions offered.

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Question 3

Have you looked at alternative ways?

This question opens up new avenues to think about and suddenly you get a wave of ideas, some good and some bad, and enables the other person to think in all the possible angles. It also prepares you to be more open to alternative ways making you more flexible.

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Question 4

What would you see as success if you were to do it this way? And how would you measure progress?

This question makes the person think about the end results and/or objectives of the suggested method/ approach/initiative. It forces him to evaluate his decision and by asking how progress would be measured, you would also know if it is possible to evaluate and measure progress.

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Question 5

Is this measure of success good enough or do you think you can be more ambitious?

This question challenges the other person to think beyond the suggested method and would check the ambition of the person. When someone is given the opportunity to think beyond the usual thought, he might just surprise you with his ambitious dreams.

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Question 6

Who is this for? Is there a larger purpose than just meeting your immediate performance or financial goals?

Leaders who can help people link their lives to larger purposes beyond just themselves are a true inspiration. Whenever there something personal attached to our goals, we tend to strive more and tend to put in that extra effort. We can also connect or relate to such ideas very easily and quickly and that is how we, ourselves, become leaders—and help others get there too.

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Question 7

Would you like to take other people along? Do you have a plan to do this?

Leadership qualities are either present naturally or they can be instilled in someone. Almost everyone wants to excel themselves as an individual contributor, or guide or lead people towards success. This question appeals to both. Those who want to inspire others and when they are asked about a plan to do so, it just motivates them further. For others, enabling people to think that they could actually garner support from around them, and may be achieve more by taking a few others along is often a great morale booster.

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Question 8

If you need help, will you be ready to come back and ask?

Everyone appreciates help at a practical, mental and emotional level. People appreciate the humble and helping nature of others and this question just makes them feel that someone is there to help them out if they get stuck. It gives them a protective feeling and tells them that they are not alone.

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Question 9

What roadblocks/barriers do you foresee by taking this option? How would you overcome them?

Every suggestion has a roadblock and every idea has a barrier. Inspiring and exceptional leaders always have a way to overcome them and be successful. This question would help a person to think of all the possible barriers and come up with the solutions as well. This would also tell you how analytical and solution-oriented the other person is.

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Question 10

What are the advantages of following this method? And will you suggest this to others?

A true leader thinks about the positives and negetives of an idea before suggesting it to someone. This question gives the other person an opportunity to talk about the positives and advantages of the suggested method. A lot of times, we might follow certain ideas, but would never recommend it to others. By asking if it would be recommended to others by him, you would get to know if he trusts this method completely and would stand by it or not.

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Conclusion

Leaders not only lead and inspire people, they have the responsibility of creating new leaders as well. And one of the ways of doing it is by asking the right questions, which can inspire others, make them think and force them to do something. These questions allow the person answering them to be himself or herself, yet starting off to doing great stuff in practical ways, and hopefully towards their own greatness.

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