Answers from Questions

Depending on the questions people ask, it is easy to tell the state of the economy.

• Does this job give me the experience I need?
• Am I being paid enough?
• Do I really need this stress?

vs

• I wonder who may be laid off next?
• Will we lose that big contract?
• Is my boss happy with my work?

In the first group of questions, the economy is on an upswing - we are focused on our careers. The second group of questions are typically asked during a downturn... when we're concerned for our jobs.

These questions don't just illustrate the state of the economy, but also our state of mind. Too often, we forget that the questions we ask reveal more about us than the answers we give. This is true in sales, in job interviews, and especially with friends and family. For this reason, consider a third group of questions: clearly the glass can be half full, no matter the state of the economy:

• Which clients are being underserviced?
• Which of my responsibilities are the most satisfying?
• Where is my next "big win"?

This week's action item: Before your next meeting, write down your questions first. Consider the message you're sending... and modify your approach if you don't like what you hear. And when someone asks you a question, consider their "answer" before you ask a question of your own.

Randall Craig is an expert on Career Planning, Work-Life Balance, and Networking; to find out how his workshops, webinars, and keynotes can help your team or add to your event, contact him through www.PersonalBalanceSheet.com, or by email at editor@ptadvisors.com.

Make It Happen Tipsheet
Comments or questions? let us know: editor@ptadvisors.com

Copyright © 2009 Knowledge to Action Press and Randall Craig. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: Feb 17, 2009