We’re investing time into preparing meetings and other kinds of hosted events. We want them to be productive and positive.
What about the other 80% of our work time?
Here’s a list of ten simple solution-focused things we can say, at almost no cost, whenever we’re talking with people about things that matter.
Wish you lots of success and fun while trying – and please let me know in the comments what worked for you, what similar things you’ve succeeded with in the past, and how these can be made to work even better.
A. Connect respectfully
- Could you help me out with something, please?
- Do you have a minute for me?
- I’d like to discuss an idea with you – can we talk about it, this afternoon?
B. Ask for visions
- If that change happened, what improvements may become possible?
- Specifically what would make you aware that things have changed for the better?
- How would others notice that things have changed for the better?
C. Ask for what we’d like to see or have, instead
- Where were you heading, when that problem stopped you?
- What would we like to see more of?
- What would you love to do, instead?
D. Foster positive feelings of anticipation
- What would that mean to your motivation?
- How would you feel like, if that happened?
- How would this inspire you?
E. Ask what’s in it, for everybody
- How would this fulfill the purpose?
- What would you need to make you feel like getting involved?
- What would be the benefits for you and your team?
F. Ask what’s already working
- Where or when is this already working?
- What’s different, there or then?
- How could we create more of these “different” places or moments?
G. Include people, right from the start
- How does this situation look like, to you?
- Can we figure out together where we want to go?
- What’s the first step we should take towards our goal?
H. Focus on resources and successes
- How did we make it to here?
- What might be our next step forward?
- Which baby steps would yield the most noticeable wins?
I. Ask what our confidence needs
- What would really boost our confidence that we’ll achieve this goal?
- What would raise your confidence to the next level?
- What will be first small signs of success?
J. Make agreements express and friendly
- Can we agree on that?
- Can we do this experiment?
- I’d like to get this done. Will you help me?
Bonus item
Try “What for…” whenever you want to say “Why…” – and feel the difference it makes!