Einstein said, “If I had an hour to solve a problem and my life depended on the solution, I would spend the first 55 minutes determining the proper question to ask, for once I know the proper question to ask, I could solve the problem in less than five minutes.”
There are two kinds of questions…
1-inch Questions
Simple questions that generate 1-word answers:
- How are you? Great!
- Did you deliver the report? Yes.
Yardstick Questions
Follow-up questions that compel one to pause and process before answering:
- What was that experience like?
- How could we improve this project?
- Tell me more.
Some of my favorite Yardstick Questions:
To mentor or coach someone on an issue/situation/goal:
- What outcome do you want?
- What does success look like?
- How do you think you’re doing so far?
- Anything you need to be doing differently?
- What obstacles are you facing?
- What have you already tried?
- Where do you need advice, perspectives, ideas, or resources?
To identify immediate needs:
- What skill/experience gaps are hindering your success?
- What skills/experiences would elevate your influence?
- What do you want to accomplish next and why?
To reflect on the big picture:
- What problems or situations energize you?
- What areas of the business fascinate you and why?
- Where do you want to spend more of / less of your time and energy at work?
And then we need to listen on purpose, with curiosity, earnestness, and presence… as if our life depended on their answers.
For answers are like a telescope – they reveal people to us, offering clarity around their mindset, perspective, thought process, aspirations, and concerns.
With those insights, we can mentor and lead in ways that make a difference.
While 1-inch questions are essential for day-to-day transactions, ultimately yardstick questions are the gateway to transformation.
