Linked & Lift issue #4: The Question Type Not to Ask for Introspection and Problem-Solving (and What to Ask Instead)
In this newsletter, I'm going to explore the impact of question types on introspection and problem-solving. By embracing the power of solution-oriented questioning, you can expect it to lead you to a path of growth and success.
As the Swiss psychiatrist Carl Gustav Jung once said, 'To ask the right question is already half the solution to a problem.'
Today, we explore the power of asking the right questions and how it can transform your problem-solving skills.
Section 1: The Power of Asking the Right Questions
When faced with challenges, our instinct is often to search for the solution immediately.
However, let's consider a different approach – focusing on asking the right questions.
By reframing the problem and asking thought-provoking questions, we open ourselves up to new perspectives and creative solutions.
For instance, instead of asking 'How can I increase my sales?', try asking 'What unique value can I offer to my customers that sets me apart from the competition?'
This change in questioning can lead to innovative strategies and a competitive edge.
Section 2: From "Why" to "How" and "What"
Allow me to share a personal story to illustrate the impact of different question types.
When I first came to the UK from France, I encountered language barriers and faced numerous challenges.
My initial instinct and the quick questions that we tend to ask in such challenging situations are:
Why does this happen to me?
Why did I need to come to this country?
Why does no one around me understand me?
The “why” questions are self-blaming questions and the answer that my brain is likely to bring back to me is :
- It’s because you are an idiot.
-It’s because you don’t know how to speak English.
These "Why" questions only led to negative and disempowering answers.
However, I decided to shift my questioning to more solution-oriented "How" and "What" questions:
What can I learn from this experience?
How can I adjust my approach to get what I want?
What skills do I need to develop?
The difference was remarkable! "How" and "What" questions empowered me to seek solutions and grow through the challenges.
Section 3: 10 most common self-blame "Why" questions
Here are 10 common “Why" questions that people often ask when faced with difficulties:
1. Why is this happening to me?
2. Why can't I achieve my goals?
3. Why don't I fit in?
4. Why is my team not performing well?
5. Why is my business not growing?
6. Why can't I get a promotion?
7. Why am I always stressed?
8. Why can't I seem to maintain a work-life balance?
9. Why am I not happy at work?
10. Why can't I find my passion?
Section 4: The Transformation of Questioning
The transformation from "Why" to "How" and "What" questions is crucial for problem-solving and personal growth.
"How" and "What" questions shift our focus from self-blame to proactive improvement.
Here are the empowering "How" and "What" alternatives of the self-blame questions seen above:
1. Instead of "Why is this happening to me?" ask "What can I learn from this experience?"
This shifts focus to personal growth and learning.
2. Change "Why can't I achieve my goals?" to "How can I adjust my approach to meet my goals?"
This encourages a proactive mindset towards problem solving.
3. "Why don't I fit in?" can become "What unique qualities do I bring to this group?"
This celebrates individuality and self-worth.
4. "Why is my team not performing well?" could be "How can we enhance our team dynamics for better performance?"
This promotes collective responsibility and teamwork.
5. "Why is my business not growing?" could change to "What strategies can I implement for business growth?"
This encourages strategic thinking and planning.
6. Instead of "Why can't I get a promotion?" ask "What skills do I need to develop for career progression?"
This highlights personal development and ambition.
7. "Why am I always stressed?" can become "How can I improve my work-life balance?"
This underscores the importance of self-care and balance.
8. Say "What steps can I take to achieve a more balanced lifestyle?" instead of "Why can't I seem to maintain a work-life balance?"
This fosters a more proactive and responsible approach towards personal life.
9. "Why am I not happy at work?" can be "What changes can I incorporate for a happier work environment?"
This puts the focus on positive changes and actions.
10. Instead of "Why can't I find my passion?" ask "How can I explore and discover things I truly enjoy?
This opens up opportunities to actively seek out fulfilling experiences and explore various interests.
Section 5: Introducing the Guide
25 Solution-Oriented Questions
To help you on your journey of self-discovery and positive transformation, we have crafted a guide titled "25 Solution-Oriented Questions to Elevate Your Problem-Solving Skills."
This guide offers a collection of powerful questions that will empower you to tackle challenges with a fresh perspective. Whether in your personal life or professional endeavors, these questions will ignite your problem-solving abilities and open doors to new possibilities.
Conclusion:
Asking the right questions is the key to effective introspection and problem-solving. By transforming self-blaming "Why" questions into empowering "How" and "What" questions, we can focus on solutions and personal growth. Remember, it's all about empowering yourself to seek solutions and improve.
📥Download the Guide
To start your journey of self-discovery and improved problem-solving, download our guide "25 Solution-Oriented Questions to Elevate Your Problem-Solving Skills."
Click on this link and unlock the power of asking the right questions!
Disclaimer:
While the guide is a valuable resource, please remember that it is not a substitute for professional advice. If you are facing significant challenges, seek guidance from qualified experts.
🎁Bonus Section
🚀 Ready to turn challenges into stepping stones? Here are 7 proven ways to find a positive outcome in your struggles.
🤹♂️ Ever felt like a juggler? Here are 2 simple tools to declutter your mind and supercharge your productivity.
🧠 Steve Jobs didn't just build Apple, he built a mindset. Here are 6 powerful lessons from the visionary.
📖 Which book from this list would you choose to level up your personal development in 2023? Discover here the list of the top 10 game-changing books.
🔍 Are you making these 4 big mistakes when engaging in your DMs on LinkedIn? Try these proven tactics instead.
📅LinkedIn Growth: My 365-day LinkedIn Challenge journey in Numbers
Months on LinkedIn: 6 months
Post impressions: 94,385 [last month] → 197,807 [this month]
Connections: 3,645 [last month] → 4,166 [this month]
Followers: 3,964 [last month] → 4,561 [this month]
What stands out to me is the significant increase in post impressions again this month. My post impressions nearly doubled in just one month compared to the impressions I've had over the past 5 months. That's an incredible achievement.
I've been observing, learning, and experimenting with new approaches. Two things I've implemented are commenting more on my network's posts rather than on big accounts. I've found that my network is more likely to reciprocate than already well-established accounts. Additionally, I've been more intentional in using carousels.
The increase in followers is mostly due to connection requests from others. I've been finding it challenging to make time for requesting connections, as my focus was primarily on providing quality content. I understand that this should also be a key focus for the next month.
I genuinely hope these insights contribute to your personal growth and success. Thank you for reading and being a part of this community.
That's all for today.
See you next month!