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How to ask the right questions

Fotolia 20453698 XS How to ask the right questionsYour brain is like a dog in many ways. It will respond to self-questions like a dog responds to simple commands.

For example, to self-questions like “Why am I always late for meetings?”, your brain will work until it finds an answer:

  • I’m lazy
  • I’m not a type “A” personality
  • I’m not a morning person

The problem with these answers is that they’re not solutions.

Ask the right questions

Asking the right questions means asking questions that ultimately lead to positive solutions:

  • Don’t ask “Why aren’t we getting any Facebook fans?”. Instead, ask “How can we create something irresistible to the people that matter?”
  • Don’t ask “Why isn’t anyone commenting on our blog posts”. Instead, ask “How can we create irresistible discussions on our blog?”

Ask yourself “How can we disrupt the norm, turn conventions upside-down, and demonstrate online how we feel about our cause?”

What are some other “right” questions?

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Comments

  1. KevinFerrasciOMalley says:
    July 1, 2011 at 8:23 pm

    John: Great post, I really love that you can always turn things upside down…in a very
    positive, constructive way.

    When I’m initialing chatting with clients one question I’ll often ask is: “Why should
    anyone want to like your Facebook Fanpage?” 

    While this question can be helpful in starting a discussion, all too
    often it can kind of devolve into a features and benefits conversation -
    too much head and not enough heart.

    How about this for a better “asking the right question” 
    What is our Facebook Official/Fanpage “PROMISE” to a Fan ?
    (sorry I just can’t call someone a like)

    Somehow it seems that if we consider the idea of a PROMISE(s) I’m making
    to a community member it gets us closer to considering real connections of value.

    Am I making any sense ?

    1. John Haydon says:
      July 2, 2011 at 9:18 pm

      Totally makes sense. Examples of pages people like are very helpful.

    2. John Haydon says:
      July 3, 2011 at 12:18 am

      Kevin – Another thought: I usually like to ask: “At your fundraising events, or any event, what topics to people love to discuss? What are they really passionate about?”

  2. Culture As Art says:
    July 9, 2011 at 3:03 pm

    The longer I work for a non-profit, I find that it is all about creating great content and stimulating good conversations.  It also doesn’t happen overnight, it takes time and intentionality.  Great post!

  3. David Phillips says:
    July 18, 2011 at 2:51 pm

    “What is important about X?”

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