Author Joe Lalley got my attention at once in his new book Question to Learn: How Curiosity Can Transform Your Career, Team, and Organization because he combines two things that I have found transformative: design thinking and coaching.
The book integrates the design thinking approach of starting with the customer, prototyping, and improving the idea or product into something that serves the customer’s need with the coaching concept of asking “powerful questions” that draw upon the client’s own expertise and experience to chart a new way forward.
Lalley writes, “This is book is for the community of the curious—a community where questions from professionals at all levels are celebrated, not discouraged.” His illustrates this well with two individuals he has encountered in his life. One is Steve, the software expert, who comes into a meeting providing the answer to your problem without even knowing what you need. On the other hand is Rick, the guy who sells skis, but takes the time to ask questions about how Joe plans to use them. The solution only comes after fully understanding the problem, opportunity or challenge. You have to know what your client needs.
He explains that the book “is about the art of going from not knowing to knowing. It’s as simple as that. Once someone has crossed over from not knowing to knowing that leads to new ideas, new thinking, and new questions.” He encourages the reader to ask questions like “Why not” “What if?’ and “How might?” to generate a clear perspective and an innovation way forward.
Lalley writes in an accessible, interesting style that weaves together key insights with his own journey of learning throughout his career. I highly recommend it.
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