Better Questions, Better Results

Can your boss just offer you the promotion? January 31, 2025 | Business Process, Feedback, Goal Setting, Leadership & Workplace Culture, Mentorship, Organizational Culture, Progress, Question a Day, Talent Question a Day Can Your Boss Directly Promote You? Here’s What You Need to Know The idea of your boss casually strolling over and saying,  “Congrats, you’re promoted!”  sounds amazing—but is it actually possible? Short answer:  Maybe. But in most workplaces, promotions  aren’t just a handshake deal —they involve  policies, approvals, and sometimes office politics. Let’s break down how promotions really work, what power your boss has, and how you can  increase your chances of moving up. 1. Can Your Boss Simply Promote You? It depends on the company.  In smaller or more flexible workplaces,  a boss may have direct authority to promote based on performance. But in  larger corporations, government jobs, or unionized roles, promotions  ...

How Much Time Do We Spend Answering the Wrong Questions? January 30, 2025 | Best Practice, Bias, Challenges, Communication, Critical Thinking, Decision Making, Leadership & Workplace Culture, Opportunity, Pattern Recognition, Personal Development, Question a Day, Strategy, Time Management, Work-Life Balance Question a Day We don’t lack answers—we’re just asking the wrong questions.  In a world where time is the most valuable currency, we often squander it—not on the wrong answers, but on the wrong  questions . It’s not just a philosophical problem; this issue pervades our personal lives, workplaces, and even global decision-making. So, how much time do we really waste answering the wrong questions, and how can we fix this? Why Do We Ask the Wrong Questions? Before we tackle the "how much," we need to address the "why." Misguided questions often stem from: Lack of Clarity on Objectives We frequently ask questions without fully understanding what we want to achiev...

How can businesses stay ahead of disruptive emerging tech? January 29, 2025 | Artificial Intelligence, Challenge Assumptions, Change, Creativity, Future, Question a Day, Timing Steps Traditional Industries Can Take to Stay Ahead of Emerging Technological Disruptions In an era of constant innovation, traditional industries face an ongoing challenge: evolve or risk extinction. Staying ahead of technological disruptions isn’t just about survival—it’s about thriving in a rapidly changing world. Below are actionable steps industries can take to remain resilient and competitive. 1. Embrace a Culture of Innovation Innovation must become a core value, not an afterthought. Companies should: Encourage Employee Creativity : Implement programs like hackathons or innovation hubs. Allocate R&D Budgets : Invest in exploring emerging technologies like AI, IoT, or blockchain. Partner with Startups : Collaborate with innovators who bring fresh perspectives and agility. Example : Legacy automakers li...

What do people often get wrong about asking questions? January 28, 2025 | Challenge Assumptions, Critical Thinking, Curiosity, Feedback, Practice, Problem Solving, Question a Day, Timing Question a Day What People Often Get Wrong About Asking Questions Asking questions is one of the most powerful tools we have for learning, connecting, and solving problems. Yet, many of us approach it with missteps that limit its effectiveness. Here’s a breakdown of the common mistakes people make when it comes to asking questions. 1.  Thinking Questions Are Only for the Ignorant One of the biggest misconceptions is that asking questions signals a lack of knowledge. In reality: Smart people ask questions.  It shows curiosity and a willingness to learn, not ignorance. Even experts ask questions to refine their understanding or gain fresh perspectives. 🔑  Mindset shift:  Questions aren’t a sign of weakness—they’re a tool for growth. 2.  Overcomplicating Questions Some people beli...