For me, Who’s on First? by Abbott and Costello is a classic piece of script: Who’s on First? (Abbott and Costello, via the Baseball Almanac).
In all the confusion that happens when you are trying to get things done, it is always good to remember that who, what, when and where are great questions for working out what really needs doing. When asked in the right way, simple questions bring clarity, and create the focus needed to smash through the roadblocks that stand in the way of your success.
‘Why’ is a particularly interesting beast. Many coaching books seem to thrust ‘why’ questions away, as something that bring accusation, and challenges trust. Asking poorly, they can do that, but when we start asking ourselves why we are doing something, and letting others know why too, it creates a sense of purpose, and acts as a powerful way to ensure that the right things done, and in the right way. It is a vital part of the toolset, and not one to be left on the shelf.
When you are planning, work out the who and the what, but keep asking why, and explaining why too.
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