Ask Powerful Questions: Create Conversations That Matter

What is it we are trying to understand that we’re unable to grasp? What are we trying to create? What will it look like if we achieve our purpose? Answering these types of questions honestly before (and sometimes while) working with people gives us the possibility to create something worthwhile that everyone can be invested in.

I am deeply grateful for his choice to connect with a random stranger while riding a bus . . . He taught me the value of connecting. Perhaps the most important lesson is that people want to be heard and understood. It may be the highest calling of our humanity.

Future-Focused: Your intention is about how you want the world to exist.

Commitment-Focused: Your intention is about promises you are making now or have made in the past. (“I

“Abby, I would like to ask you a question. My intention in asking is to bring some clarity to everyone about the purpose of this project. Can you tell us more about what might be contributing to your confusion? I think it might give us all an opportunity to see a gap we might be missing.”

Antidote: Be clear, true, and complete The antidote to a world of manipulation is to have a clear intention and share it.

Perhaps the most important lesson is that people want to be heard and understood. It may be the highest calling of our humanity.

The words Intention, Rapport, Openness, Listening, and Empathy can describe one Pyramid face. Rotate the Pyramid and you can use the following statements to describe the layers as well: I am willing to know you, I see you, I hear you, I get you, and I feel with you.

Your Initial Intent could be something as simple as, “I’m curious to know what makes people tick.”