Power Questions

I have recently finished a book entitled Power Questions Build Relationships, Win New Business, and Influence Others, by Andrew Sobel and Jerold Panas. It was quick read that added some tools to my toolbox when it comes to coaching.

In this book, Sobel and Panas quote legendary author Peter Drucker’s five questions designed to help a person grow in his/her personal life. This takes place in chapter 32, Take Stock of Your Life.

Here are the questions…

1. What is your mission?
2. Which are the most important relationships you want to invest in?
3. What are the essential priorities and goals of those closest to you?
4. What are you expectations of the people around you, and what do they expect of you?
5. What is your plan?

While working with top business leaders, Peter Drucker would ask them these questions. His goal was to get the business leader to think about his/her company and how to improve it.

You can take these same questions and apply them to your life. Ask yourself…

“What is your mission?” What is your main purpose here on Earth?

“Which are the most important relationships you want to invest in? Who are the people that you are needing to invest the largest about of your time and energy into? What relationship do you currently have that are fulfilling or enhancing your mission?

“What are the essential priorities and goals of those closest to you?” Do those priorities and goals match up with what you are attempting to accomplish or do they pull you away from them?

“What are your expectations of the people around you, and what do they expect of you?” What are the people around you responsible to do and what are your responsibilities? Is everyone clear as to who does what? How can communication be improved?

“What is your plan?” Having all the questions answered above, how are you going to fulfill your mission? What are the nuts and bolts that are necessary to see this through till completion?

I hope sharing this tidbit from a famous author is helpful to you as it was to me.