Seven Questions to Be More Interested Than Interesting

For many of us, we tend to want to talk more than we listen. It's part of being human. What if we were all more interested than interesting? Let’s look at the implications this can have on us as leaders, spouses, parents, and friends.

When we tell others what to do, we are drawing their conclusion for them. We make it about us and our leadership. Instead of helping them develop, we cut corners and do it for them.

On the other hand, when we ask people who, what, why, where, when, or how, we help them come to their own solution. We encourage them to grow in their problem-solving, in their evaluations, and their sense of self. They feel more powerful and accomplished when they reach conclusions on their own. By guiding people with questions, we make it about THEM and their growth.

 In alignment with Pareto’s Law of the 80/20 Rule, a good goal is to talk 20% and listen 80%. I recently was texting with Mike Shildt, the St. Louis Cardinals’ Manager, and noticed that even his written communication followed the 80/20 Rule. He asked specific, intentional questions that would help me move forward - leaving me feeling like he was invested in both our business and personal relationships. He was clearly interested.

To help you in following the 80/20 Rule, check out the following list of 7 Questions to make you more interested than interesting:

How are you and your family?

How are you adapting at work?

Who are you hanging out with on Zoom these days?

What are you most excited about in the next 6 months?

What’s something significant in your life right now? 

What are you doing to grow and get better?

How have your thoughts changed in recent years with racial injustice coming to light? 

If you have any other questions you love to ask people, we’d be interested to hear. Be sure to share them with us.