Authentic Leadership Institute

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The Power of Questions
By Daniel Ellenberg, Ph.D.

Questions are never objective or impartial. Answers emerge naturally from the type of questions we ask. In fact, the when we ask ourselves questions, it is as if we are doing an internal internet search. For example, when we ask ourselves what's wrong with us, we are typing in a command to search for responses that focus on how we are flawed and unworthy. It is as if a host of web sites then appears which reinforce all of our flaws. That's because when we request a computer search, the computer will only output information based on what we ask or program. For example, if we are looking for birds in the Northwest, cave dwellers in the Middle East, or early developments in automobiles, we will receive information specific to each of these requests. If we view the mind as that specific, which it is, then it's easy to understand the importance of feeding positive questions that will stimulate growth and not despair. We have the power to do this!

Therefore, it is important to ask questions that assume greater possibilities and do not focus on limitations. The bottom line is that if we ask lousy questions, we will receive lousy answers. If we ask empowering questions, we will receive empowering responses. Empowering questions can open doors that were previously locked. "Why do I always screw up?" or "What's wrong with me?" carry implicit assumptions that you are screwed up or that there is something wrong with you. How could you possibly come up with positive or helpful answers with a question like "What's wrong with me?"

Therefore, it's important to frame our questions around desirable outcomes. For example, if you are wondering about your level of accomplishment, consider how different your responses will be to these two different questions:

Why can't I ever thrive?
How can I thrive more?

Responses to the first question will inevitably be disempowering and likely lead to depression: "I don't have what it takes." "I'm too lazy." "I'm just plain stupid." Now consider responses to the second question. "I can make daily lists and check off whenever I accomplish each task." "I can learn from people who have created the kind of thriving lives I want to experience." "I can remember times in my life when I felt successful and follow my own recipe."

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