Principle: Better questions, better answers
Here’s the scenario:
You’re in the DTC game, and the founder of Hims just sat down next to you on an airplane. No fanboying allowed.
The unwritten rule says you get 1-2 questions to start a mutually engaging conversation before headphones go in.
The first thing you say: “Hey are you the Hims guy?”
What next?
A) Wow, tell me about that!
B) How’d you get into that?
C) Okay sorry, one question b/c I’m early in the DTC game and then I’ll shut up - what did you get right in the first 18 months that I’m probably missing?
Highly unlikely this happens, and even less likely you think of a thoughtful question like C on the spot, but very obvious which one yields the best outcome.
The point: not all questions are created equal, so when you encounter a good one, save it.
Tactics
Here are 15 fantastic questions from Shaan Puri’s swipe file:
You got a little pep in your step, what’d you have for breakfast? (replace How’s it going? with this or the next one)
You look happy, what were you doing right before this?
It’s Saturday morning, what are you doing? (replace what do you like to do? with this)
When would you be surprised if we didn’t have this done?
When would you be surprised it’s not shipped?
Okay, great. So best case scenario, when are you thinking?
Man, that sounds really hard - what’s the easy version? (when someone lays out a complex plan)
You don’t have to tell me the answer, but what’s the conversation you’ve been avoiding? (for leaders/managers)
If you had to advise yourself, what would you tell him? (for leaders/managers)
Who needs my help today? (either ask yourself or someone you think has an answer)
If I only had 2 hrs today what’s the one thing I’d do? (for a busy schedule)
What would [insert mentor/hero] do?
What are my anti-goals?
Am I playing a stupid game to win a stupid prize?
If I wasn’t already doing this would I still do it?
Habits
Create your own Questions Swipe File, and begin gathering them like collector’s items.
You’re always one or two good questions away from a life-changing answer.
God speed,
Mike
Today’s inspiration: A Guide to Asking Better Questions