Better Questions, Listening Archives - Page 10 of 26

Better Questions, Listening

Simple. Open. Questions. (Issue 849)

In which we are reminded not to hint at expected answers when we ask questions. Every few years, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts invites me to refresh my driver’s license. Last week, I went to the Registry of Motor Vehicles first thing in the morning. “Why are you here?”, inquired the friendly person at the desk. … Read more »

You Eat Like A Bird (Issue 840)

In which we are encouraged to look back, at a client’s history of decisions and progress, before moving forward with recommendations for next steps. Read more »

What Questions Reveal (Issue 837)

In which we are encouraged to interpret the patterns of our prospects’ and clients’ questions and probe for their ultimate outcomes. Read more »

Playing In The Future (Issue 836)

In which we are reminded that we provide great value when we help clients and prospects anticipate what’s coming. Read more »

Finding Tragic Flaws (Issue 835)

In which we are encouraged to look for unproductive patterns in our clients’ decisions lest they come back to cripple them later. Read more »

You Eat Like A Bird! (Issue 827)

In which we are encouraged to understand context before we pitch recommendations. Read more »

Wells Fargo Timing: Symptom of Broader Failure

[April 18, 2017] The timing of the Wells Fargo case is symptomatic of a broader failure. The general theory about “why this happened” is that branch incentive programs were wrong (widget-based) and that sales managers were far too aggressive in pushing sales staff to sell more. All true, well documented. However: People tend to “go … Read more »