The power of a question.

This past week I must have asked about 357 questions.

Everything from “When you think of the characteristics that all your clients have in common, what are the top three that bubble up?”

To “What should we put in the feature box on the home page: the picture of the computer or the speech bubbles?”

To “What time is it in London right now?”

I’ll bet you’ve asked a few yourself. At least I hope so.

“Have the courage to start conversations that matter.”

Last week was full of conversations, many of them meaty and meaningful. I feel pretty lucky.

Conversations that matter start with a question.

Jane Deuber, entrepreneur and creator of Value Quiz, a super helpful assessment tool we’re adding to MyTeamConnects’ website very soon, shared a tip. She told me that when meeting someone new, she tries to ask three questions to get to know them better and to find our how she can be of service to them. As a natural connector, Jane’s one of those people who seems to have ties to everyone. More interesting, though, is her tireless attitude.

You might think asking questions would sap energy, but the truth is when you start conversations that matter, the opposite is true.

When you ask questions you open yourself up to learning something new. If you’re open to an answer, the mind is required to synthesize that information or idea into your reality in that moment. But the kicker is this: you have to stop and listen to the answer.

When you listen, you stand a greater chance of understanding. And understanding takes a lot less energy than twisting in the breeze of your own chatter. (That can really wear you out.)

I admit that of the people closest to me, I ask questions dozens of questions every day. But they’re mostly lame-o questions, because I usually assume think I already know the answers…give or take a few. Questions like, “Do you want mayo?” “Did you do your homework?” and “What have you been up to this week?” Most of these are not conversations that matter.

Why is it that the people who get the best questions are the people I don’t know all that well? Am I overlooking treasure that’s hidden in plain sight?

To whom do you ask your best questions? This week, will you ask an important question of someone mysterious, a colleague you’ve just met, a customer you’ve been serving for months, or someone you’ve known all your life?

Discovery is as close as a question. Try asking a question that matters and see how it brings a new energy to your day. See how it increases your relationships with your family, customers, and friends.

Asking that important question could be the secret to the fountain of youth or the child’s mind. Any tips for asking great questions? Leave a comment!