Ask Questions

“Good questions outrank easy answers.” – Paul Samuelson

Often times we think that people need answers for everything. Much of what we see in our social media feeds comes from people claiming to have the answer. Some even assert they have all of the answers. People post that they have all of the answers in hopes of people following them for the answers. However, if you want to see the people around you truly grow, having the answers isn’t enough. They need to know how to find them themselves. Earlier this summer I read a book called The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier earlier this summer. The focus of the book was asking the right questions to help someone be better. Asking better questions helps focus more on the real problem. It guides someone to find a solution. He said this in the book.

When people start talking to you about the challenge at hand, what’s essential to remember is that what they’re laying out for you is rarely the actual problem.

By asking questions, we can assist someone with what they truly need. We then guide them to a solution.

Another thing that allows me to help others is taking time to unplug and reflect. I typically do that by going to the gym or riding my bike. When I do those things, I stay away from my phone, and focus on movement. The only time I use technology in these moments is when I take photos with my camera. I captured these photos earlier this summer. I was riding my bike on the Light Rail Trail in Charlotte, North Carolina. I stopped for an iced coffee, and took a break. While I was sitting, I captured these photos.