Creating a Culture of Moving Forward with Questions

I like to check out the website www.edutopia.org to see what is new about transforming the learning process so that all students are fully engaged in learning.  The site is associated with the George Lucas Educational Foundation that is committed to this process.

Rebecca Alber, the Edutopia consultant Online Editor and instructor at UCLA's Graduate School of Education once wrote a blog titled "5 Powerful Questions Teachers Can Ask Students."  (I am of the age where I print out the things I want to keep!)  Since making the transition from educator to DKG administrator I have thought about these five questions in the leadership arena.  I believe if we were to observe five chapter or state organization leaders, we would see four of these well-meaning conveyors of knowledge asking questions and answering most of the questions themselves.

In her blog, Rebecca taught me how to ask a series of effective questions that probe deeply for thoughtful answers.  I try to be more intentional about my own form of questioning in the facilitation of my work with Society leaders.  The process of asking these five powerful questions elicits responses and discussion that require more cognitive thinking and are surprisingly reflective.

I'm convinced that the same five questions, modified slightly, become empowering questions that will help chapter and state organization leaders in creating a culture of continuous improvement within the organization.  The questions convey a deep respect for the opinion of others, as well as a sincere desire to empower others.

1.  What do you think?  It's my experience as international president that most members have an opinion on most things.   To optimize the value of this question, it should concentrate on specifics and be in context with the situation.  An example of non-specific verses specific question is:  What do you think about the dwindling membership in DKG?  What do you think about the "invitation only" policy of becoming a member in DKG?

2.  Why do you think that?  This gives a chance for digging deeper into the "why.  Asking why someone feels a certain way creates more clarity in the thought process.  People are used to being asked "What do you think?" but they are not accustomed to the follow-up question -- "Why do you think that?"

3.  How do you know this?  This question provides an opportunity to hear about personal experiences in regard to the question.  It also opens the door to learn about what professional books and materials they are reading.  The "how" question provides a platform for the responder to support her position with solid rationale.

4.  Can you tell me more?  Just when the responder thinks she has completely answered your questions of what, why and how, you ask for more.  This question requires the person to reflect on she previous answers and to rephrase and add to her responses.

5.  What questions do you still have?  This probes the need for continued research and investigation.  It will help the responder to view the question from another angle.  This question provides the opportunity to question what she has seen or heard based upon her own intuitiveness.

Authentic leaders develop strong positive relationships through genuinely caring about what members are thinking.  These Five Empowering Questions provide a format to scaffold responses.  When given the opportunity, take advantage of hosting a conversation where you spend 10% of the time asking questions, 20% of the time probing, and 70% of the time listening.