What do great attorneys, journalists, interrogators, leaders, and coaches have in common? They all know the power of asking effective questions. Now, the difference between how each of these professions uses questioning is that they have distinctive motives and styles. For example, Johnny Depp’s attorney Camille Vasquez recently skillfully demonstrated how specific, closed-ended questions might corner a witness. Another example would be NBC News Anchor Savannah Guthrie, a journalist, and attorney, and her interview with Amber Heard. The beginning of the interview started with gentle and seemingly harmless questions before asking cut-throat types of questions like an interrogator would. 

On the other hand, coaches and great leaders will ask empowering questions to assist their entrusted clients or employees to draw their own conclusions and determine the best path toward their goals. Additionally, coaches bring out the best in a person while learning about their drivers, sources of creativity, and fears or concerns that might get in the way. The coach and the client will then work together to further explore and overcome any obstacles that have been identified. 

Asking empowering questions is an art, and it is accessible to everyone. It is one of the most effective tools for advancing one’s career and improving relationships. What makes a question empowering? Empowering questions are: 

1. 1. Open-ended
   2. Thought-provoking and
   3. Non-judgmental

They might start with “what”, “how”, “when”, “who” or “why”. Now, not every open-ended question is empowering. Asking “why” five times in a row, should be reserved for five-year-old children. Managers employing this technique will put their opponents quickly on defense.

Many people are hesitant and afraid to ask questions, especially in a crowded room or when they are with higher-ranking organizational leaders, out of fear of exposure and embarrassment. Instead, they will remain silent or worse speculate about answers and make up their own stories in their heads. Neither one of those responses are self-serving.

So, if you are interested in advancing your career at an accelerated pace and stand out in a positive way, I encourage you to practice the following: In your next one-on-one with your manager ask them what specifically they need from you to support the overall goals of the department and the organization. When leading a cross-functional meeting, make sure you get everyone’s perspective on their area of responsibility by asking “what is the opportunity in bringing all of these points of view together?” If you interact with a mentor in the organization, ask them what the greatest advice was that they have ever received.

When you master the art of asking empowering questions with inquisitiveness there are no limits, as you will not only learn things you otherwise wouldn’t have, but you will also gain visibility and exposure within your organization because your questions, unlike those of Camille Vasquez or Savannah Guthrie interrogating Amber Heard, are coming from a non-judgmental place of marvel that is intended to uplift everyone around you.

What doors do you see opening for you once you master the art of asking empowering questions? If you work with me as your coach, we can practice together and you will see how your career trajectory soars. Contact me at angela@belladonnacareercoach.com to set up a complimentary discovery call.