the end of each chapter I have included a summary. This enables you to recall and reflect on key points, and to return to them at any time to remind yourself of the key themes and messages. In addition, some chapters provide reflective questions. When you read these please take time to reflect on and answer the questions. Also, ensure that you read the action-planning chapter so that you get the most out of the experience of reading this book.
Whatever you choose to do means that things will be different and when things are different outcomes are better. If outcomes are better, then your life has improved. If your life has improved, this means that you are a better person – a better mum, dad, brother, sister, friend, aunt, uncle, grandparent, boss or colleague. If this happens then the world truly becomes a better place.
As I ponder the idea of a better world, where people ask themselves and others better questions, I am excited that that world could be full of people who are:
•more creative
•more empowered
•more open-minded
•more compassionate
•more connected
•more solution-focused
•more action oriented
•more confident
•more valued
•more responsible
•more accountable
•more aware
•more empathetic
•better listeners
•more reflective
•more engaged
•more in control
All of this means that in the world there would be:
•less blame
•less conflict
•less judgment
•less command and control
•less compliance
•less reliance on the status quo
•less focus on problems
•less frustration
•less anxiety
•less restriction
In bringing you this book, I trust that you will be one of the special people who help to achieve these outcomes and that you will spread the word about how simple it is to make the world a better place by asking yourself and others better questions.
You are about to be taught an amazingly powerful life skill that has the power to transform lives – enjoy the journey!
The following questions will help you to evaluate your readiness to get the most out of this book!
Are you ready for the journey?
CHAPTER ONE
Questions? Big deal!
The power to question is the basis of all human progress.
Imira Ghandi
I truly believe that asking better questions is the answer to solving most of our problems. I am passionate about asking people questions and I know that by asking better questions people’s lives can dramatically change for the better. Yet in my experience, few people are conscious of how powerful the skill of questioning can be.
Socrates said, “I cannot teach you anything I can only make you stop and think”. Unfortunately, we seem to have developed a society of ‘tellers’ who are ready to advise us and tell us what to do, often without being asked! We have lost the art of questioning, which has resulted in the world being full of people who, rather than asking questions, are intent on ‘teaching’ or ‘telling’ others what they should or shouldn’t do.
Each of us can be guilty of being a routine or lazy thinker. As soon as we encounter an issue or problem we immediately seek advice and input from others with a naïve willingness that potentially affords them ‘guru status’; we assume they know better than we do. This combination of ‘tellers’ and lazy thinkers creates a dangerous situation where we miss out on the opportunity of finding better answers.
My intention in writing this book is to raise people’s awareness for asking better questions and for readers to see that this is an easily-learnt
