Asking Powerful Questions

The question is a very powerful tool. It is deceptively simple but can evoke profound effects if used to our advantage. We often get ourselves stuck with closed-ended questions that get basic facts or yes/no answers. Here are three types of questions that you may find useful to propel you toward something useful. (Thanks to ideas from a book by Vogt, Brown and Issacs called The Art of Powerful Questions for inspiring this Blog.)

Questions for focusing attention

·       What question, if answered, would make the most difference to your job search?

·       What attracts you to certain parts of the job search process?

·       If you dig a little bit, what hidden opportunity might you discover in your present situation?

·       What assumptions do you need to test or challenge in your thinking about job search?

·       What would someone who knows and loves you say about your situation?

Questions for connecting ideas and finding deeper insight

·       What is starting to take shape for you? What are you noticing that is positive in recent events?

·       What is in the center of your life that you need to stay connected to?

·       What new connections could you make that will really help you out?

·       What seems easy for you during this process?

·       What has been the most interesting discovery for you so far?

·       What is it that you would love to discover soon?

Questions that create forward movement?

·       What will it take to move to the next level in your job search?

·       What brings you the most positive energy during the job search process?

·       What is possible here and who can help me get what I want?

·       What seed can I plant today that will make the most difference in my future?

·       Who do I need to have a conversation with to go to the next step?

·       What have I been putting off that I can do now to get some momentum?