ASK … WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

Excerpted from “Chapter Two” “Just Ask the Right Questions to Get What You Want” with the permission of the author – Professor Ian Cooper 

Note from Bob:  Enter our 2017 Five Favorite Questions to Ask at Thanksgiving Contest – details at the bottom of today’s post!

Have you ever had a situation where you have asked a question but you can’t get a straight answer out of someone? Maybe you’ve asked a professional for advice?  Just recently, a Consultant I was seeing for a medical problem mentioned three places I could go for physiotherapy.

“It’s up to you which you choose …they can all help you” he told me!

Here is a simple question technique, which gets you the answer you want more often than not. I have used it many times with great success.

Ask them “What would you do?”

“Okay”, I said … “well let me ask you this then. If it was you or a member of your family that needed treatment which one of the three physiotherapists you have just mentioned would you go to?”

Without a moment’s hesitation he answered. “Oh, I’d go to Sarah ….” and he gave me the name and address of a specific person. “She’s very good” he added with a knowing nod!

Job done … this is an easy and very effective technique to learn.

Professor Ian Cooper has been described as a ‘serial achiever’, London based, he is an international author of 15 books with in 55 countries and 13 languages, including the successful and influential ‘Financial Times Guide To Business Development’, recently shortlisted for the best management / business book of the year award. In addition to advising hundreds of businesses and organizations of all sizes for over 30 years, Ian is also a successful entrepreneur who has created and run a number of successful businesses. With approximately 1000 professional speaking engagements Ian has inspired thousands of businesses and individuals with his light and engaging style to improve their own performance, get better results and make things happen.  You can connect with Ian on his website.

In 10 days you (Americans) will be sitting down to enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving meal with your family and friends.

What questions would you like to ask those gathered at your table to take the conversation beyond the weather, the roads, shopping and football?

To enter the “Contest” simply share “Your Favorite Question to Ask at Thanksgiving” in the “Comment” section below: (Or email your question to me @ bob.tiede@cru.org )

Your Question needs to be original – one that is guaranteed to stimulate great conversations around Thanksgiving Tables everywhere! 

Questions that definitely will NOT win include:

• When are we going to eat?
• Did you watch the parades?
• White or Dark?
• Can I have another piece of pumpkin pie?
• Do you think the Cowboys will win today?
• What time are you getting up to go shopping tomorrow?

If your question is selected as one of the “The Five Most Favorite Questions to Ask at Thanksgiving” you will win a real printed “339 Questions Jesus Asked” book, “Great Leaders ASK Questions – A Fortune 100 List” book and audio book CD!  (Offer is limited to U.S. addresses)

Winners will be announced in a Special Thanksgiving “LeadingWithQuestions” Post next Wednesday, November 22.

Deadline for entering:  Midnight – Sunday – November 19, 2017