“What If?” Questions
I love asking “What If” questions, but probably not for the reason most people think.
As a speaker, I keynote for a lot of conferences and training events. Whenever possible, if other speakers are presenting, I sit in on their presentations. This is one of the benefits of being a speaker—you get a front-row seat to hearing new strategies and ideas about business, success, personal development, and more.
One particular strategy I was introduced to early in my career was the idea of asking “What If” questions. For instance:
- What if I took on that new leadership challenge?
- What if I spoke up in the meeting today?
- What if I really listened and tried to understand where the other person was coming from?
The basic principle behind asking “What If” questions is that they change your perspective. They help you consider alternative scenarios and cause you to think about new possibilities.
I appreciate this perspective. But there is another perspective I appreciate just as much. Maybe even more.
The Purpose Behind “What If” Questions
You see, I believe “What If” questions do two things—they provide and protect.
Asking “What If” questions like the ones above causes me to think about provision. “What would happen if I tried this positive thing” or “What if I took that positive step?” These questions open my mind to possibilities. They help me learn, grow, and develop.
However, have you ever considered the opposite?
Have you ever considered asking “What If” questions to protect you from something?
- What if I continue down this destructive path?
- What if I ignore that important request?
- What if I let my desire for ease and comfort turn into laziness and sloth?
While I love asking the first “What If” questions because they inspire me…
If I’m honest, I think asking the second “What If” questions helps me more. That’s because they have protected me from a lot of dumb mistakes.
So no, the second “What If” questions aren’t fun to ask, and they won’t make you feel as good.
But, if you’re like me, they’ll scare you straight.
And that kind of protection might be the greatest benefit of asking “What If…”
Photography Copyright: 123 RF Photos / Ra2studio
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Great leaders ask great questions. They know that asking great questions is a powerful leadership tool.
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