The 7 Powers of Questions – Secrets to Successful Communication in Life and at Work
Guest Post By Michael Morris
Would I recommend The 7 Powers of Questions?
That’s a great question and I’m glad you asked. What does it take for me to recommend a book? I recommend a book when it has an immediate impact on my thinking and on my actions. Did this book do those things to me?
You bet it did.
This book is full of valuable insights into why questions really are powerful. It is full of clearly defined examples of how and where the principles in this book have been and can be applied. Also the information is presented in a way that makes it accessible and immediately applicable.
Overall stickiness:
I’d rate it as a five sticky book. Why?
After you have read it you cannot help but find yourself asking a LOT more questions than you have in the past. You will also find yourself amazed at how much more you learn about people and their situations.
Application:
Have you ever noticed that the greatest conversations you have are one of two kinds? Um, not sure you say. Well, what are the two kinds of great conversations?
The two kinds of great conversations are 1) when you have learned some amazing things about the person that you have been talking with or 2) when someone has kept you talking and you feel that they have REALLY listened to you and understood what you were getting at.
In both of these types of conversations what was the key factor? You guessed it…questions!
Ideas:
The title gives away the idea: Questions are powerful, but it doesn’t answer the question of why they are powerful. The reasons why questions are powerful are: Questions demand answers. Questions stimulate thinking. Questions give us valuable information. Questions put you in control. Questions get people to open up. Questions lead to quality listening. Questions get people to persuade themselves.
Simply reading those reasons, which happen to be chapter titles sets off the light bulb in your head doesn’t it?
But like a good infomercial, there’s more, the book also includes a great list of smart questions for different circumstances.
Style:
This was an easy read, because Dorothy’s guides you through the topics in a clear, conversational and easily understood manner. She includes great examples from a wide range of people and situations to illustrate the concept that is being discussed in each chapter. In fact the style is so effective that she has you asking yourself questions while you are reading!
My Biggest Insight:
Questions lead to quality listening. It’s a simple but powerful concept. Why?
When you are asking questions and you are looking to keep asking questions you simply have to be more attuned to what the person is saying. Too often we are thinking about what we are going to say next and formulating our response in readiness to make our next statement and we miss vital pieces of information from the other person because they do not have our undivided attention.
When you are thinking about what the next question is going to be, you have to be listening and listening wholeheartedly for the next hook, the next vital piece of information that the person will disclose that needs to unpacked and explored to improve on the relationship with them. And ultimately EVERY conversation is about a relationship of one type or another.
Introductory concept:
You cannot go past the authors own words for setting out the basic concept “every time you open your mouth to speak you have two options: Make a statement or ask a question. Asking questions can change your life.”
Where To Get This Book (Nope, this ain’t an affiliate link)
At Amazon – The 7 Powers of Questions
· Author: Dorothy Leeds
· Paperback: 299 Pages
· Publisher: Penguin (September 2005))
· Language: English
· ISBN-10:
· ISBN-13: 0-399-52614-5
Thanks to Michael Morris
www.samuelmorrisfoundation.org.au
Comments(0) 