Ask

Tap Into the Hidden Wisdom of People Around You for Unexpected Breakthroughs In Leadership and Life by Jeff Wetzler

November 20, 2024

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What if the key to your next breakthrough isn’t in what you know, but in asking the right questions?

In Ask, Jeff Wetzler explores the transformative power of asking meaningful questions to unlock insights, foster growth, and create unexpected breakthroughs.

By tapping into the collective wisdom of those around us, Wetzler demonstrates that effective leadership and personal growth often start with a simple, curious question.

SMARTEST TAKEAWAYS
Principles for Asking Your Way to Success

1️⃣ Ask Open-Ended Questions: Wetzler emphasizes the importance of asking questions that inspire reflection and creativity, rather than “yes” or “no” answers. Open-ended questions encourage deeper thinking and can reveal insights that wouldn’t emerge otherwise.

2️⃣ Seek Diverse Perspectives: Breakthroughs happen when we look beyond our own viewpoints. Wetzler advises leaders to ask questions of people from different backgrounds and experiences, allowing for a broader range of ideas and approaches.

3️⃣ Embrace a Learning Mindset: Rather than asking questions to confirm what you already know, Wetzler encourages asking with genuine curiosity. This mindset creates opportunities for growth and fosters a culture where continuous learning is prioritized.

INSIGHTFUL EXAMPLE
Unlocking Insights through Empathetic Inquiry

Wetzler shares a story of a leader who improved their team’s performance by simply asking, “What’s one thing we could change to make your work easier?”

This question led to honest conversations and small adjustments that drastically improved team morale and productivity. The highlights how empathetic inquiry can lead to powerful changes and strengthen relationships within a team.

A QUOTE TO REMEMBER
The Power of the Right Question

“The right question, asked at the right time, can change everything.”

Jeff Wetzler, Ask

BOOK FACTS
Ask

  • Publication date: May 7, 2024

  • Print length: 304 pages

  • Listening length: 8:29

  • Ratings: 4.9 Amazon, 3.9 Goodreads

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THE LEARNING LEADER SHOW
How to Ask Better Questions

DID YOU KNOW?
Why Questions Matter More Than Answers

  • Curiosity Fuels Connection: Open-ended questions increase interpersonal trust by up to 20%, helping to build stronger relationships and deeper understanding (Journal of Applied Communication Research)

  • The ROI of Curiosity: Companies that prioritize a ‘questioning culture’ report innovation rates 25% higher than their competitors (Innovation Management Institute)

  • Leaders Who Ask Thrive: Research shows that leaders who regularly ask their teams for input are 30% more likely to foster high employee engagement and loyalty (Harvard Business Review)

WHAT’S MAKING US SMARTER
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