There are some of us who keep asking questions about anything and everything. We may call them skeptics, doubting Thomases etc. Life is full of questions, it’s almost as if the more questions we have, the less answers there are. The fact that we have questions is a good thing though, because it means we are invested in this life that we are living. Without people questioning we wouldn’t be where we are today. Legends of history, would just be another face in a sea of people if it weren’t for them questioning and pushing the boundaries.
Here’s why asking questions is important:
- It helps you uncover the challenges you’re facing and generate better solutions to solve those problems. We’re all spending too much time and energy solving the first iteration of a challenge with the first idea we have. That’s both limiting and counterproductive.
- It’s how you increase the capacity and potential in those you lead. A good question can create an “aha” moment, which can then lead to innovation and growth.
- It keeps you in learning mode rather than judgment mode. If you’re asking a question, you’re not rushing in to provide the answer, give the solution, or take on the challenge. It’s a good self-management tool to keep you focused on the bigger picture, and as a leader/manager, that’s your responsibility to your team and to the organization.
Asking the right questions creates happiness.
We all know how peace and harmony feels, but not many of us take a minute to understand what causes these feelings. When we entertain this deep question, we start understanding how to feel at peace more often. We realize we are the creators of our feelings; they don’t just happen to us.
Start by asking yourself simple but deep questions:
What does happiness mean to me?
Is it possible to have a big problem and to feel good at the same time?
Do I do something every day to reach my dream?
Then start asking yourself more difficult questions:
What is the most important thing for me in life?
How can I work toward achieving that?
The more times we ask ourselves important questions, the easier it gets to accept ourselves and to take charge in changing our lives for the better.
Kenrick Vaz 