296: How to Ask The Right Questions To Unlock Wisdom, Support and Opportunity

Finding Brave

Please note: This is a special “Holiday Pick” re-release of Episode #283 with Jeff Wetzler

Why is it so hard for many of us to ask the right questions and make the right choices? As the co-CEO of Transcend, a nationally recognized innovation organization, and today’s guest, Jeff Wetzler has leveraged his expertise in learning and human potential to develop a game-changing approach to smarter decisions, more creative solutions, and deeper relationships by asking different kinds of questions that unlock possibility and connection. Through a five-step process, Jeff teaches how to ask the right questions to create personal and professional growth. He joins us today to talk about his new book, ASK: Tap Into the Hidden Wisdom of People Around You for Unexpected Breakthroughs In Leadership and Life, and to share his personal journey to asking, learning, and connecting more deeply. Tune in as we dive deep into the psychology of what prevents us from asking and sharing honestly, including shame and safety. Using curiosity as an entry point, we explore different contexts for asking questions before diving into the five practices behind Jeff’s Ask Approach. Delving even deeper, we explore a new definition of curiosity as an act of care. We also unpack what happens when we lose our connection to compassion, how to remain rooted in non-judgment to create a safe space for others, engage in meaningful reflection and reconnection, and much more! Don’t miss this thought-provoking conversation with a guest who truly embodies his principles.

Key Highlights From This Episode:

• Childhood experiences that sparked the premise for Jeff’s book. [06:44]
• What asking the right questions does for our relationships. [09:05]
• Blockers that prevent us from sharing honestly with others. [11:38]
• Why curiosity is important across different contexts. [12:47]
• Five practices that underpin the ASK Approach. [14:26]
• The role of compassion and non-judgment behind Jeff’s principle of “making it safe.” [22:29]
• What it means to ask quality questions. [27:07]
• Reflection and reconnection as the final part of the framework. [31:00]
• Three channels that unpack what it really means to listen to learn. [33:37]
• Observing the action piece in order to learn. [35:12]

For More Information:

Jeff Wetzler on LinkedIn

Jeff Wetzler on Instagram

Jeff Wetzler on X

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Get your copy of Jeff’s latest book, ASK: Tap Into the Hidden Wisdom of People Around You for Unexpected Breakthroughs In Leadership and Life.

AND Check out Jeff’s NEW TEDx Talk - How to Learn Something From Anyone…(And Why To Try)

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Quotes:

“There’s really interesting research that shows that even in our most intimate relationships, we are not good at knowing what our partners are [thinking and feeling].” — @jeffreywetzler [0:12:54]

“The only thing [that] reliably lets us know what other people are thinking and feeling is to ask them.” — @jeffreywetzler [0:13:54]

“When we are curious about other people, we are really curious about the mystery of life as well.” — @jeffreywetzler [0:17:03]

“Curiosity is an act of care.” — @jeffreywetzler [0:18:59]

“Even if I am curious to learn from you, if you don’t feel safe telling me your truth, you’re not going to tell me and I’m not going to learn.” — @jeffreywetzler [0:22:33]

“There’s so much genius around us that we can tap into through [asking] quality questions.” — @jeffreywetzler [0:28:29]

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