Exercise: Inquiry Style Self-Assessment

Rate yourself on a scale of 1 (rarely) to 5 (almost always) for each of the following statements:

1. I ask open-ended questions that encourage detailed responses.
2. I listen attentively without interrupting when others are speaking.
3. I ask follow-up questions to deepen my understanding.
4. I avoid making assumptions and instead ask for clarification.
5. I’m comfortable with silence after asking a question, allowing others time to think.
6. I ask questions that challenge my own preconceptions.
7. I inquire about others’ perspectives before sharing my own.
8. I ask questions that help others reflect more deeply on their thoughts and feelings.
9. I avoid asking leading questions that push for a specific answer.
10. I express genuine curiosity in my tone and body language when asking questions.

After completing the assessment, reflect on:

• Your strengths in inquiry
• Areas where you’d like to improve
• Specific actions you can take to enhance your inquiry skills

Exercise: Reframing Statements to Questions

1. List 5-10 statements you frequently make in professional conversations. These could be opinions, suggestions, or observations.
2. For each statement, challenge yourself to reframe it as an open-ended, curious question.
3. Reflect on:
   • How the question might change the dynamic of the conversation
   • What new information or perspectives you might gain by asking instead of telling
   • How this approach might affect your relationships and decision-making processes