Could You Ask a Better Question?
Rather than thinking about what should be done, ask what could be done instead. Doing so encourages us and others to take agency, consider new paths, and turn roadblocks into opportunities.
Jonah Berger, Magic Words: What to say to get your way
You wake up and glance at the clock.
A tsunami of panic slams you fully alert.
The alarm didn’t go off.
There was a power outage, and the battery backup didn’t work.
You have to make a presentation first thing to an important client.
You had planned to pick up your blazer from the cleaners on the way to work, but you might have just enough time to get to work if you go straight to the office.
The company just issued a reminder that all client interactions must adhere to specific guidelines, including the mandatory wearing of the corporate-branded blazer.
What should you do?
Should you show up to the meeting on time without the required blazer?
Or should you have someone entertain the client until you can pick up your blazer, maintaining the professional image the company demands?
Which is more important?
Perhaps you can ask a better question.
What could you do in this situation?
Now, your mind starts exploring other possibilities.
You remember that you have a colleague who lives close by the office who happens to be the same size as you.
You make a quick call and ask to borrow their blazer for the presentation.
With that problem resolved, you get ready with a calm urgency.
The presentation was a tremendous success.
You even used the incident to illustrate the culture of resourcefulness at your company.
— — —
“Should” creates resistance and limits our thinking to just a couple of possibilities.
“Could” bypasses the resistance and encourages us to find creative solutions.
Even when we want to make lifestyle changes, we should tell ourselves what we could do rather than what we should do.
What could you do today to brighten someone’s day?
What could you do today to become more like the person you want to become?
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