Better Questions, Better Results

Should You Always Turn the Other Cheek? When grace disarms and when it endangers Is forgiveness a weakness, or a powerful tool for transformation? This question sits at the heart of the age-old dilemma: when wronged, should we retaliate or rise above? The phrase “turn the other cheek” invites us to consider whether non-retaliation is naive or profoundly strategic. This post explores the roots, relevance, and real-world power of this principle in personal, professional, and political life. The Origins of Turning the Other Cheek The phrase originates from the Sermon on the Mount in the Christian New Testament. Jesus’s instruction to “turn the other cheek” when struck was revolutionary for its time. It challenged the lex talionis, or law of retaliation (“an eye for an eye”), and instead proposed a radically different path: disarm aggression with dignity. Rather than advocating passivity, many scholars argue that this act is a form of nonviolent resistance. It shifts the power dynamic, str...

How can we agree to disagree? April 29, 2025 | Active Listening, Communication, Conversation, Curiosity, Emotional Intelligence, Question a Day, Relationships Question a Day How to Agree to Disagree (Without Losing Your Mind or Friends) Master the art of agreeing to disagree without ruining relationships. Learn practical communication skills for respectful, stress-free conversations. In today’s world, where debates rage over everything from politics to whether pineapple belongs on pizza,  learning how to agree to disagree  is an essential life skill. But let’s be real—it’s not easy. When someone challenges us, our brains often slip into must-prove-them-wrong mode. Spoiler alert: That almost never works. Instead, the real secret to preserving relationships, reducing stress, and keeping conversations productive is knowing when—and how—to walk away from an argument with grace (and your sanity intact). Here's how to do it. Why Is It So Hard to Agree to Disagree? Disagreements feel...

What are the best ways to resolve team conflicts with questions? January 14, 2025 | Communication, Professional Development, Question a Day, Relationships, Team Performance, Trust, Workplace Culture Question a Day Best Practices for Using Questions to Resolve Conflicts in Teams Conflict is a natural part of teamwork, but the way it's handled can either fracture or strengthen a team. Questions are powerful tools for de-escalating tensions, fostering understanding, and finding solutions that satisfy all parties. Below, we explore the best practices for using questions to resolve conflicts effectively in a team setting. 1. Start with Neutral, Open-Ended Questions Why It Works Open-ended questions invite conversation without assigning blame or making assumptions. They create a safe space for team members to express their perspectives. Neutral phrasing ensures that no one feels attacked or cornered. Examples “Can you help me understand your concerns about this issue?” “What do you think...