The Art of Humble Inquiry 8.30.21

I got the opportunity to read Edgar and Peter Schein's Humble Inquiry this quarter. There are so many truths, wrapped up in simple messaging. Some, I feel compelled to share here:

• In American culture we often substitute telling for asking...

• Asking fosters better relationships

• Asking for input or help humbles the asker and empowers others

• Western culture values "doing" and "telling"

  • Consequently, being humble, asking for help, clarification, etc., can connote weakness or lack of knowledge. However, it is in fact, the opposite.

• Being genuinely curious requires humility. Schein calls this Here-and-now-Humility.

• Here-and-now-Humility acknowledges that you don't have the answer but you are curious and open to learn more through asking

I am working on doing more asking rather than telling. It is hard! Often our tells are veiled as asks. When you find yourself asking questions, ask yourself:

• Have I phrased this question to be as open as possible?

• Is there something in my phrasing that is leading towards getting the answer I hope to get?

• Am I conveying my own opinion in the form of question?

• Am I asking this question with the hope to learn something totally and completely new?

• In reflection, was there a way to make my question even more open, or broad? How could I have asked a question to give the responder the absolute broadest options for a their response?

"It takes...discipline and practice to access one's ignorance, to stay focused on the other person"