Ask Powerful Questions: Create Conversations That Matter

What might happen if “small talk” was replaced with conversations that matter? In their Bestselling book, Will Wise and Chad Littlefield explain how the questions we traditionally ask are often meaningless when it comes to establishing a connection. Introducing a set of practice tools for understanding others by changing the way we ask questions, Will and Chad show how to transform “How are you?—I’m fine, thanks” into conversations that change not only how you lead but who you are as a person. Educators, business professionals, personal coaches, and anyone in a position of leadership will relate to the personal successes and failures Will shares. He unpacks the art of asking questions that lay the foundation for trust, psychological safety, productivity, and impact. Chad complements Will’s personal stories and examples with fascinating facts and nuances in neuroscience that are behind the art of asking. Together, the art of asking and the science behind it join to create a simple and powerful framework for leaders to build a culture of connection. In his book, Will and Chad break it down into six simple steps for all of us to be able to understand. The Asking Powerful Questions Pyramid™ shows you how to build:

• Intention
• Rapport
• Openness
• Listening
• Empathy

Powerful questions can be used everywhere: from the board room to the city park, the dinner table to the grocery store. If you want to connect with employees at a team building retreat, hone your leadership skills as a new boss, improve the company culture where you work...this book is for you. If you want to navigate difficult conversations with your spouse or a friend, or practice presence-based listening with your kids...this book is for you. If you want to become a better educator and facilitate an ice breaker conversation with colleagues...this book is for you. Ask Powerful Questions invites the reader on a journey that explores: the clarity of intent, connecting through rapport, creating openness, reflective listening, and empathy. How can we explore the space between ourselves and others, and exchange meaningful perspectives? Just ask—powerfully.

Will Wise, M.Ed., has been asking powerful questions for over two decades as a corporate development consultant, .environmental educator, collegiate instructor, adventure guide, and team-building facilitator. Will is the cofounder of We!™, a consulting practice committed to transforming workplaces by building authentic connections, resulting in increased efficiency and higher job satisfaction among employees. Will's clients have included JetBlue, TEDx, Typeform, and Penn State. He lives in Central Pennsylvania with his wife and three children.