The Paradoxical Anatomy of a WiLD Question - 6 Things to Consider
What would change if you believed that questions were just as important as answers - especially when it comes to development? While answers are important and necessary, questions are an absolutely critical part of development that are often ignored or even avoided. Why do we avoid questions?
Questions, especially those we don’t know the answer to, are scary because they leave so much open to be figured out. And, that precisely why they are so important for learning. Learning is as much about figuring it out as it is about arriving at the right answer. The problem is that we are question avoidant as a culture. We prefer quick, oversimplified answers to our problems or to learning. Nevertheless, questions are the keys to lifelong learning and a long term approach to developing ourselves, for our sake and the sake of others who need us to become better versions of ourselves.
What is the paradoxical anatomy of a WiLD question?
A WiLD question is invitational AND directional - It invites you into your own development, while also having an area of focus (i.e. competence, calling, support, experience, investments in others, purpose, goals, organizational alignment).
A WiLD question is unknown AND answerable - Neither I nor the person asking me the question know the answers, but with a moment of pause, the answer might just be discovered.
A WiLD question is selfish AND selfless - It involves both building you up and also has an implicit or explicit connection to the needs and development of others - and in that way may include a necessary personal sacrifice.
A WiLD question is rigorous AND human - It includes both a scientific base and is relatable and real to our personal experience of the world.
A WiLD question is aspirational AND actionable - It invites us to discover what we hope for, and opens up pathways for specific action to be taken right away.
A WiLD question is appreciative AND disruptive - It will open up something positive for a person, but will likely also shake up the status quo keeping us stuck or in place.
If that’s the anatomy of a WiLD question, what’s the litmus test...one characteristic that tells you you are on the path of deeper developmental inquiry. I think this is it. It’s the question you ask a person at a party that causes that person to pause and say, “That’s a good question. Hmmm.” The next time you ask a person a question and get that response, you will know you are in the WiLD neighborhood of whole and intentional leader development.
*We have a deck of cards that is filled with our very own WiLD Questions. Create a free account at wildtoolkit.com to visit the WiLD Store and learn more.
