Better Questions

Resourcefulness is one of the most important skills a consultant can develop. Our work consists of solving difficult problems - which include connecting with new people, understanding needs and desires, and building consensus across organizations.

Whenever I hear a partner or advisor moaning about their lack of resources, I know the best way out is to look at the questions they are asking.

Here are some unresourceful questions that may have come to your mind:

• "Why can't I find the time to do this?"
• "Why do I have to learn all of these new skills?"
• "Why do I have to make this change?"

These questions lack belief and imagination. They will take you nowhere.

Here are some better questions:

• "Who has already generated the results I want to achieve?"
• "What value can I add to this, that very few people can?"
• "Who would love the chance to work on this project and have the required skills to deliver an excellent job?"
• "How do I improve upon what I have? How can I make it better?"
• "Who already has access to the resources I want?"

You don't make any progress by complaining. The more resourceful you are, the more resources you will gain access to. And this often starts by asking yourself better questions.