“Judge a man by his questions rather than by his answers.” – Voltaire
Voltaire is quoted as saying that a person’s questions suggest his willingness to seek knowledge and gain understanding. “The way someone formulates questions is a more accurate indicator of their intellectual and emotional intelligence. Questions act as a powerful tool for understanding the depths of a person’s mind. The questions we ask reveal our genuine interests, our desire to learn, and our willingness to admit that we don’t have all the answers. Moreover, the quality of our questions also reflects our ability to think critically, to challenge established norms, and to explore alternative perspectives.1
We could say, “Judge a coach by his questions, rather than his answers.” Have you noticed that the Lean Startup Canvas encourages the use of questions? Some of those important questions are important right at the start.
- Who are your target customers?
- What are your customers’ top 2-3 problems? Are they worth solving?
- How do you create value for your customers?
- How do you deliver value to your customers? What are possible solutions?
- How will you reach your customers?
- What will your sources of revenue be?
- What will it take to produce what you offer?
- What spiritual/missional impact are you pursing?
- What metrics will tell you how you are progressing?
Some years ago, an IBEC coach was asked to help solve a problem with a business in west Africa.2 After communicating online, he prepared to address the problem and then decided to purchase a flight and go to the business location. HE BEGAN BY ASKING LOTS OF QUESTIONS, and it was not long until he was able to determine that the stated problem was not the problem at all. He had prepared for the wrong problem, but questions set him in the right direction.
Remember – we must do our homework so we can ask lots of intelligent questions!
- A good question is more than half of the interview. The rest is listening.
- The most important thing is to never stop asking questions. ––Albert Einstein
- At its core, coaching is a transformative process that hinges on powerful questions,3
- https://www.socratic-method.com/quote-meanings-french/voltaire-judge-a-man-by-his-questions-rather-than-his-answers(opens in new tab)
- https://ibecventures.com/blog/bfresh-bottling-in-west-africa-business-as-mission/(opens in new tab)
- https://www.universalcoachinstitute.com/powerful-coaching-questions/(opens in new tab)
Larry W. Sharp, BAM Support Specialist, IBEC Ventures
Larry.Sharp@ibecventures.com