Which enlightens… answers or questions?
“I am not teaching you anything, I just help you explore yourself”
This quote from Bruce Lee and the cool illustration below by Stanley Chow have been on the front of a client’s file for over a decade.
It’s a reminder for me for when we meet.
My client doesn’t like being told what’s best to do.
Sometimes, he can get very tetchy when I give an opinion, and that’s okay. He does things his way. My approach is always tailored. He sees and learns best this way, gently.
But he’s like most of us, isn’t he?
Who likes being told anyhow?
In a crisis, I was recently told what to do by a trusted friend. My head was all over the place. Just tell me what to do, I said. He told me. I did it. Problem sorted. But that was for a specific and urgent situation.
Listening and good questions need space.
And patience.
Over many years, I’ve learned that questions are more powerful and lasting than giving someone an answer on a plate.
I listen and ask questions.
I listen intently and ask more questions.
If I think I know ‘The Answer’, I’ll flip it into a question.
Questions enlighten.
Questions put responsibility in the right place.
People own their answers.
People are empowered by an ‘aha’ moment that they arrive at themselves.
Regarding good questions, I’ve got a suitcase full of ‘em.
But good questions require good listening.
And that takes time, space and patience.
Most people want the answer. They want the quick fix, now. But most of the time, doing it that way, the answer doesn’t stick. Remember at school when you copied someone’s answer but couldn’t explain how you’d got there to the teacher?
If you are a founder, leader, or CEO who needs help with your business, charity, or idea… I’m here. If you are stuck and need some clarity, I’m here.
Here to listen.
Here is a question.
But not to give you the answers. That’s your job. You have the answers in there, somewhere. I’ll help you find them, together.
Bruce Lee illustrated by Stanley Chow
