“If I had an hour to solve a problem and my life depended on it, I would use the first 55 minutes determining the proper question to ask, for once I knew the proper question, I could solve the problem in less than five minutes.”
– Albert Einstein
Asking the best questions from the right mindset produces great results.
Professor Einstein is correct in his assertion regarding the proper question to pose. According to Einstein the proper question reveals the solution as well. With the Ken of Zen coaching model, questions are posed as part of an overall strategy to best position you to face and resolve the challenges in front of you. They flow from the intention to restore your learners mindset and optimize outcomes.
Great questions move you through the Learning Model from unconsciously incompetent to the beginnings of true mastery.
The right questions quide you towards a solution. The wrong questions trigger reactive energies which limit possibilities and put you on the defensive. No bueno.
The right questions create clarity. When you can see clearly where you are headed and why you will have power.
There are two subclasses of questions I use in my coaching practice:
Zen(C) – These are questions fashioned in the finest tradition of Zen koans. They force your brain into a new perspective. Very powerful in helping to shift your point of view. As Einstein observed: “You cannot solve a problem with the same kind of thinking that created it. You must go up a level.” A classic Zen question: What is the sound of one hand clapping?” The logical mind has no answer of course. And that is the point of this seemingly inane form of inquiry; engage our intuition. Often the answers we seek are beyond the reach of logic and analysis therefore we need a shift in perspective to fill in the blanks. Zen(C) questions are designed to make this shift in awareness and understanding.
Ken(C) – These compliment your shift in perspective with the acquisition of actionable knowledge. Its not sufficient to have the facts alone. Afterall what does Pi mean without the proper context. You need to know the character and dimensions of a circle. You need to know how it is calculated. And that is just the beginning. To understand and create value from the fact you need to know the principles behind its presentation. Ken(C) questions are structured to increase understanding and turn facts into actionable knowledge. They draw from within both meaning and purpose. They clarify your intentions, determine significance and define a relevant course of act.
This is powerful stuff!