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The Unexpected Power of a What’s Right Question

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FORWARD21: #8

FORWARD21 is a weekly newsletter with top hand-picked forward thinking human and workplace advice and resources for 21st-century executives, leaders, and change agents.

What do you find most intriguing?

Four years ago, I was introduced to the unexpected power of this simple little question:

What do you find most intriguing?

It almost seems too simple of a question and not worthy of much attention. But I assure you that it’s a powerful question.

This question first came to my attention when someone asked it to me at a workshop. I still remember my reaction. My mind froze, and I didn’t know what to say.

Then suddenly, after a brief pause, I was surprised by the words that effortlessly came out of my mouth. I was really fascinated by what had just happened!

I then noticed that the workshop facilitator was using this question repeatedly and receiving fascinating responses. I thought people might tire of its repeated use. But no. Everyone seemed to be appreciating the power of this simple question.

I later learned that this question came from the work of Kurt and Patricia Wright, authors of Breaking the Rules. In their book, the authors tell us that asking, “What do you find most intriguing?” is a form of a what’s right question.

What’s a what’s right question?

As it is with so many things in life, we oftentimes automatically focus on what’s wrong. For example, how do we solve this late delivery problem? How do we improve our business? Instead of focusing on “What’s going wrong?,” we can consciously shift our focus to “What’s going right?”

And here’s the exciting thing:

When we ask any what’s right question, our rational mind hasn’t a clue about how to process it according to the authors.

Here’s what happens instead and why what’s right questions are so effective:

What’s right questions are deferred to our less assertive but far more powerful intuition—where they are processed in a manner that generates energy.

A Few Examples of What’s Right Questions in Action

One effective way I have used what’s right questions has been by prompting readers to share their opinion at the end of almost every article I post online. I receive the most surprising feedback in response to, “What did you find most intriguing in this article or interview?”

Here is one of my favorite responses:

This conversation invites and allows whole beings to show up; like whole food, whole beings are more nutritious to the system they exist within.

Another example of where I have used what’s right questions extensively is in the Insight13 presentations that I create after every interview. After some time has passed, I give each interview a fresh read and ask, “What’s most intriguing here?”

This response below from Perry Marshall is typical of the type of feedback I receive:

Note: View the complete Insight13 presentation at 13 Key Insights on 80/20 from Perry Marshall.

Start Asking What’s Right Questions

I encourage you to start asking this simple little question of “What did you find most intriguing?” today to see the results for yourself.

Then for even more surprising responses, ask this follow-up question:

Can you be even more specific about what intrigues you about the piece you’ve mentioned?

Then please let me know what you found most intriguing in this article and how these questions work out for you!

To your great work life & success!

Bill Fox

FORWARD21: top articles that got my attention

Let’s ask questions most people don’t. ⎜ ask.

Here’s an interesting podcast and blog I discovered this past week that asks questions most people don’t. Fascinating reading and listening here by Shane Mac, CEO and co-founder at Assist.

Here’s a recent tweet that I was happy to respond to! Follow the link to the tweet if you care to see my responses:

Ask yourself this one question to become more knowledgeable ⎜Joseph Dietch in Fast Company

I loved this article by Joseph Dietch that I discovered in Fast Company. Joseph is the author of Elevate: An Essential Guide to Life and the founder of the Elevate Prize Foundation, which celebrates and empowers individuals and organizations whose ideas and endeavors elevate the human experience.

Here’s the great question that Joseph suggests asking when we’re perplexed that someone doesn’t understand our point of view:

“What don’t I get?”

I think it’s a great question. I’ve used it several times this week already, and I’m sure it’s one I will use often. 🙂

Ten Human Skills for the Future of Work ⎜ Shana Dressler at 99U

Shana Dressler, who was formerly Executive Director at Google’s incubator for entrepreneurs, lists ten ways we might practice being more human.

She suggests that these core strengths are key to building and leading effective teams and for thriving in the constantly evolving workplace:

1. Empathy Mindset

2. Emotional Intelligence

3. Effective Communication

4. A Growth Mindset

5. Curiosity + Instigation

6. Strategic Analysis and Analytical Thinking

7. Complex Problem Solving

8. Conflict Resolution

9. Negotiation and Persuasion

10. Leadership

FORWARD21: books

Breaking the Rules ⎜ Kurt and Patricia Wright

Breaking the Rules would easily be on my top 10 list of best business books. Unfortunately, Kurt is no longer with us because I would have loved to interview him.

Below are a few of my favorite quotes from the book:

“We all learned to embrace the whole notion of working to find the value in everyone’s contribution. We also learned the importance of attributing no negative value to the things we didn’t necessarily agree with or didn’t feel made a strong contribution.”

“To be on a roll, we must break free of rules that keep us out of touch with our hearts—so we can get back to the effortless ease of wholehearted commitment.”

“This book explains why we must make a fundamental shift in our approach to asking questions—from one of inquiring about what is not working, to one of learning to identify and build upon what is working.”

In Closing

Thanks for reading. If you like this newsletter and want to support it, please consider forwarding it to someone who’d benefit from it or consider buying a copy of my new book The Future of the Workplace.

If you’re seeing this newsletter for the first time, you can subscribe at forwardthinkingworkplaces.com. 

To your great work life & success!

Bill Fox

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