A good friend and client, in his 60’s, who I believe is one of the smartest well-read people I know, and is constantly learning, likes to say that “Standing around looking stupid, you can learn an awful lot.”

Originally, I thought I was smart, but I have learned that my real job is to stand around looking stupid and ask a lot of questions. This brings out the wisdom of any group and gets the debate going. It is also critical before meeting with any group, that you find out what is important to the organization’s leader.

John Maxwell has 3 questions that I to ask whoever is the head of the organization, to see how to help them before beginning to involve myself with the team.

They are:

• Can I say something that you have said before to give you another voice?
• Can I say something that you would like to say, but cannot, to give you a needed voice?
• Can I say something that you have not said yet and give you the first voice?

If any of you reading this spends time in other organizations, you will find that that the use of simple observation and well placed questions are powerful tools that are invaluable in business.

If you need help figuring out the right questions or how to get the most from your team, contact our expert guides at 800-786-4332 or email CClemmer@AppliedVisionWorks.com. It only takes 30 minutes to get started!