Strengths Based Questions

Recent research has discovered that influencing change ismore likely with “asking questions” rather than “declaring” solutions.

Asking the right questions is even more important. For instance, asking questions based on your StrengthsFinder talent themes causes exponential growth toward your goals.

Why then are questions more powerful than answers?

1. Could it be that questions engage our curiosity? Immediately your brain begins searching for the possibilities. While you may look in the rear view mirror to evaluate past behaviors and missteps, it’s often more helpful to look through the windshield toward our future.

2. Could it be that questions make it easier to face our reality?Questions quickly cause us to measure our current behavior in the light of our past, present, and possible selves in a less intimidating way.

3. Could it be that strengths based questions tap our intrinsic motivation?Humans are hard wired with innate talents. Each of our talents has its own edge, needs, and values.The edge of Strategic is that they explore possibilities and find the best route to move forward. The need of Strategic is to have freedom to make mid-course corrections. Strategic loves seeing a way when others assume there is no way. Strategic hates doing things the same we have always done them before.

Recently, I coached a CEO who lost touch with his executive team. Strategic was one of his dominant signature strengths, so I asked him, “How can you be more Strategic in connecting with your team?”

His solution was to create a monthly rotating schedule for his team. Then he and I created a strengths based questionnaire that could streamline those conversations. To make it fun, he built an onsite room with racing car pictures, pool table, comfy coaches, and high end adult beverages.

Question: How could you start asking more strengths based questions? Please share your comments to this post below.

Bring GALLUP Certified Strengths Coach and Convene Resource Specialist Brent O’Bannon to your Forum Day or organization and learn the art and science of Strengths Based Coaching. Learn more athttp://brentobannon.com/strengthsfinder-keynote-and-workshops/

To Trust or Not to Trust

It seems as though each time we go through a political election cycle the pundits bring out the research of how little we trust our leaders. Today we keep hearing that the “trust factor” has decreased significantly between the elected and electorates. Surprised? I’m not. Trust depends a great deal on information, knowledge, certainty and expectation.  

In the age of digital and social media we have come rely on information that is more image than authentic. Most communications experts acknowledge that the explosion of new media has so dramatically changed the way we gather information that it has begun to skew the trust levels of authority, leaders and institutions. This may be because we are relying more on images and impressions rather than data or facts.

When this occurs trust decreases and doubt and uncertainty increases. We identify less with our peer groups and traditions and the foundations of these begin to crumble.

Sounds pretty depressing, right? Well, it is because trust is so important. Trust is the ultimate building block of relationships – friends, family, business and faith. Without it our efforts to go forward with certainty and hope dramatically decrease.

But trust is an active word. In order for someone or something to be trusted it requires proof of honesty and truth before being accepted. It must be earned, not just expected.

Businesses leaders should value trust as one of their greatest assets. The rewards are obvious. But it takes the action of our minds and hearts in order for that asset to be valued by our customers, employees and co-workers.

Perhaps the best example of such action is seen in one of the most famous crisis communications case studies – the 1982 Tylenol poisoning. The Chairman of Johnson & Johnson, James Burke, took a stand few business leaders would have been willing to take. When the news first broke that it appeared there was a connection between Tylenol Extra-Strength Capsules and multiple poisonings, he immediately recalled all Tylenol products, some 31 million containers, at a cost of more than $100 million. He did this without a government-required recalled or even definitive proof that the capsules (which had been tampered with) were the actual or only reason for the deaths. He knew and stated clearly that the company had a public and moral responsibility and that if their product were ever to be trusted again they had to take drastic measures. And they did. Johnson & Johnson became the first company to require tamper-proof packaging for their products and instituted extraordinary measures of quality assurance before re-introducing Tylenol publically. Today consumer research shows Tylenol continues to be listed in the top 5 “most trusted” products.

Trust is so important that it is a sacred bond. But it must be nurtured – as demonstrated by the Tylenol case. Once it is instilled it can be life-changing. That’s why trust is such a significant theme in the Bible. Time and again Scripture says that if we trust in people alone, our accomplishments or our possessions we will be disappointed. We are truly to trust in God alone because He is unchanging even when our circumstances and leaders do. Ancient texts give truth for today.

As we watch our trust diminish in our culture we have the ability to do something about it. We can create trustworthy environments that are built upon truth, conviction and faith. We can produce and require in-depth and trustworthy information. But we must require these of our leaders, businesses and families. That will create the true building blocks of a firm foundation for every aspect of our lives.

I don’t know my Kingdom purpose.

What’s my Kingdom purpose? I was asked this some time ago, and I frankly found myself stuttering.  I’ve been a believer for some time, so you figure I’d have a god answer.  But I didn’t.

Instead, my mind raced to all sorts of places.  I thought, “Good question…I should know this…what exactly is that anyway?”  I knew that Jesus talks about “the Kingdom” a lot and that many agree that the Kingdom of God was Jesus’ central message (Google “Jesus and Kingdom of God” to find more than a few).   I knew that Jesus informed a particular group that “the Kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:21).

What did that mean for me?  On that day, I think my answer was accurate, but not complete.

I came to decide to change the question.  If the Kingdom is within me, the question really is just, “What’s my purpose?”  Or perhaps “What’s my why?” (if you haven’t seen the “Start With Why” TED talk by Simon Sinek on YouTube, I’d recommend it - the video, not the book).  As a believer, how do I fit in to God’s story? How do I live it out so that others can see it?  Ask questions about it?

When I was wrestling with Spiritual gifts, someone pointed me to the Message’s translation of 1 Corinthians 12:7, “Each person is given something to do that shows who God is: Everyone gets in on it, everyone benefits.”

What am I here to do?  What is my organization here to do?

It’s not an easy answer.  It takes time.  It takes time away to wrestle with hard questions.

Three questions you might ask to help: 1)  What themes have been present in my life?  For Moses, for example, it seems that “rescue” was one theme: at his birth, helping to rescue individuals, then a nation. 2)  What makes me cry?  What are the things that bring you great happiness and sadness? 3)  What do others say about me?  Who can you ask to highlight your character strengths?  It may be that you don’t have the skills yet - but you likely have the character traits to fulfill your purpose.

Time away, good questions, wrestling with answers…it will take this and more to get to a clear Purpose.  When it’s clear, it makes it much easier to say “yes” and “no”.  When will you invest the time to bring it into focus?

What Do You Do?

Have you ever been sitting at the local business event when the moderator gives the dreaded, “Please take the next few minutes and share at your table what you do?” Have any of these random thoughts crossed your mind?

• Would it seem odd to go to the bathroom at this moment?

• Did the first guy just deliver his entire biography and take all of our time?

• Geez, I hate this. I never know what to say.

Continue Reading at BlantonGroup.com

Are You a Decathlete?

Decathletes are often described as the “world’s greatest athletes” but why? They are certainly not the best in the world at anyone of the 10 events. Consider the 100-meter dash, the world record holder is Usain Bolt of Jamaica, in the High Jump one of the best in the world is Javier Sotomayer of Cuba, the 1500 meter is represented by Hicham El Guerroujt from Morocco. So why are decathletes considered the best athletes in the world? I believe it’s because they don’t just settle for one event, they choose to be the best at 10 different events. The 10 events over two day include the pole vault, high jump, long jump, javelin, shot put, discus, 110-meter hurdles, 100-meter dash, 400-meter run and -wait for it a 1500 meter run! Their ultimate goal is 1000 points in each event for a perfect score of 10,000 points.

Are you a decathlete or do you consider yourself a one or two event person? Have you settled for being good in one or two areas? Can you achieve greatness by only participating in just two? My challenge to you is to consider becoming a true decathlete!

Let’s consider our own lives and what are our 10 most important events or life commitments might be. Here’s my list, but it doesn’t have to be yours: I will list them not in order of importance, distance or endurance for a decathlon. Remember each event is worth 1,000 points.

100-Metre Dash-My God and my relationship with my Savior Jesus Christ. This is first and foremost, without it I wouldn’t be able to perform in anything else. This requires daily training, time in the Word and Prayer.

Long Jump-My Family. It offers me a connection to the most important people in my world. By staying involved I am able to love, guide and encourage my beloved.

Shot Put-My Business. This is an important event for me because it allows me to provide for my family and share God’s blessings with others.

High Jump-Health & Fitness. This one is a no brainer, every athlete must stay in shape. I focus on a healthy diet and exercise regularly.

400-Metres Run-My Church. Staying connected with other believers, being challenged in my walk and learning God’s word. Supporting other Believers as well.

110 Meter Hurdles-My Relationships. My friends are an important part of my social fiber. They offer companionship and hold me accountable to my other events.

Discus Throw-My Missions-Getting involved with other likeminded Christians to offer hope and assistance to others around the world. Christ’s love in action!

Pole Vault-Charity. Caring about those less fortunate, be it the homeless, widow or orphans. Truly reaching out and making a difference in their lives. Not only giving our financial resources but my time as well. Javelin Throw-My Community. Getting involved in the local community, taking action in civic functions that reflect my values. Being salt and light, a leader!

1500 Meters-My Finances. Being a good steward of God’s provisions also me to give more to many of my other events and still have a stable future for my family.

I know your 10 life commitments are going to be different from mine but take some time to decide on what your 10 most important events are. Set your goals to maximize your efforts in every area while still maintaining a balance. Don’t neglect any area. Commit to being a true Decathlete!