Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, it is with great enthusiasm and anticipation that I stand before you today to introduce a remarkable individual who has revolutionized the field of communication and personal growth. Today, we have the honor of interviewing the esteemed Marilee G. Adams.
Marilee G. Adams is an internationally recognized author, executive coach, and expert in the art of questioning. With her groundbreaking work in the field of inquiry-based learning, she has transformed the way individuals perceive and interact with the world around them. Her influential book, “Change Your Questions, Change Your Life,” has empowered countless individuals to unlock their true potential and achieve remarkable results.
Having earned her Ph.D. in sociology from Cornell University, Marilee possesses a deep understanding of human behavior, motivation, and the power of self-reflection. Her academic expertise, combined with decades of practical experience, has allowed her to develop cutting-edge frameworks and tools that promote effective communication and personal transformation.
Marilee’s unique approach centers around the power of asking questions rather than relying on assumptions or preconceived notions. Through her groundbreaking methodology, called “Question Thinking,” she guides individuals and organizations to shift their thinking patterns, leading to a more constructive and empathetic mindset.
Widely sought after for her wisdom and expertise, Marilee has worked with executives, teams, and organizations across the globe, including Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. Her teachings have helped leaders at all levels to create a culture of inquiry, collaboration, and innovation, driving sustainable success in their respective fields.
Today, we have the privilege of delving deeper into Marilee’s transformative work, gaining invaluable insights into the power of questioning and its impact on our personal and professional lives. Join us as we explore the depths of her knowledge, uncovering the secrets to unlocking our potential, overcoming challenges, and fostering meaningful connections.
With her charismatic presence and ability to captivate audiences, Marilee G. Adams continues to inspire and empower individuals to become agents of change and growth. Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in welcoming the visionary behind “Question Thinking,” Marilee G. Adams!
Marilee G. Adams is a renowned author, speaker, coach, and consultant, specializing in the field of change management, leadership development, and workplace dynamics. With over 30 years of experience, she has made significant contributions to the field of personal and professional transformation through her unique approach known as “inquiry-based learning.”
Adams is widely recognized for her revolutionary concept called “The Questions Thinking,” which is based on the premise that the quality of our questions shapes the quality of our thinking, decision-making, and overall life outcomes. Through her extensive research and work with various clients, she has helped individuals and organizations harness the power of inquiry to unlock their potential, navigate through challenges, and drive effective change.
Marilee G. Adams is the author of the critically acclaimed book, “Change Your Questions, Change Your Life: 12 Powerful Tools for Leadership, Coaching, and Life,” which has been translated into multiple languages and has become a foundational resource for individuals seeking personal and professional growth. Her work has also been featured in prominent publications such as Forbes, Fast Company, and The Huffington Post.
As a dynamic speaker and facilitator, Adams has delivered keynote addresses, workshops, and seminars worldwide, empowering audiences with practical tools and strategies to foster curiosity, enhance communication, and create a more adaptive and resilient culture within their organizations. Her engaging and interactive style creates a safe space for individuals to explore new perspectives and challenge their assumptions.
Alongside her speaking and writing endeavors, Marilee G. Adams serves as the CEO and founder of the Inquiry Institute, an organization dedicated to empowering individuals and organizations through inquiry-based learning. She also works as a consultant, partnering with leaders and teams to build leadership capacity, engage in effective dialogue, and craft sustainable change strategies.
Driven by her mission to create positive change and foster a culture of learning in individuals and organizations, Marilee G. Adams continues to inspire and empower countless individuals to transform their lives and achieve their fullest potential through the power of inquiry.
10 Thought-Provoking Questions with Marilee G. Adams
1. Can you provide ten Change Your Questions, Change Your Life by Marilee G. Adams quotes to our readers?
Change Your Questions, Change Your Life quotes as follows:
a) “We need to consider that the questions we ask are fateful since they tend to produce answers that guide us in our thinking, feeling, and action-taking.”
b) “The judger-learner mindset flip involves recognizing our habitual judgments and shifting to curiosity and a learning mindset instead.”
c) “Questions open up possibilities, while statements often close them down.”
d) “Your choice of questions profoundly impacts the quality of your relationships, your leadership effectiveness, and the outcome of your conversations.”
e) “Questions create change. How? By acting as a catalyst for our thinking and behavior.”
f) “Empowering questions help individuals find their own answers and generate new possibilities.”
g) “When we ask ourselves ‘What can I learn from this situation?’ instead of ‘Why is this happening to me?’ we open ourselves up to growth and self-reflection.”
h) “Questions shape our conversations, and conversations shape our relationships.”
i) “The power of questions lies in their ability to reframe our thinking and challenge our assumptions.”
j) “Asking questions from a place of curiosity and genuine interest can enhance our ability to connect with others and build meaningful relationships.”
2.What inspired you to write “Change Your Questions, Change Your Life”? Can you share the story behind the book and explain why you felt compelled to explore the topics within it?
I wrote “Change Your Questions, Change Your Life” with the intention of helping people transform their lives through the power of asking better questions. The inspiration behind the book came from my own personal experiences and observations as a coach and facilitator.
Throughout my years working with individuals and organizations, I witnessed the profound impact that our questions have on our thoughts, emotions, and actions. I realized that by changing the questions we ask ourselves and others, we can shift our perspectives, open up new possibilities, and create positive change.
My own journey of self-discovery and growth also played a significant role in writing this book. As I explored the world of questions, I recognized how my own question-thinking patterns shaped my life and the way I interacted with others. This sparked my curiosity to delve deeper into the topic, understand the underlying principles, and share these insights in a practical and accessible way.
I felt compelled to write this book because I truly believe that questions are the keys that unlock personal and professional transformation. By exploring topics such as the power of inquiry, the shift from judger to learner mindset, and the art of asking coaching questions, I aimed to provide readers with the tools they need to change their questions and ultimately change their lives.
3.Your book explores the power of asking questions and the impact on personal and professional growth. Can you provide an overview of the key principles and techniques for changing one’s questions to improve decision-making, communication, and problem-solving, as discussed in your book, and why mastering this skill is essential for personal development and success?
In my book, I emphasize the transformative power of asking questions and share the key principles and techniques for changing questions to enhance decision-making, communication, and problem-solving. One of the main principles is the understanding that the questions we ask shape our thinking and perception of a situation. By shifting from a problem-focused question to a possibility-focused one, we open ourselves up to new perspectives and creative solutions.
Techniques for changing questions include “Question Thinking” – a process involving the different levels of questions, such as factual, confrontational, interpretive, and transformational. By employing transformational questions that foster learning and growth, we can overcome limiting beliefs and expand our potential.
Mastering the skill of questioning is crucial for personal development and success because it empowers us to create more effective and meaningful outcomes. By asking questions that promote curiosity and openness, we improve our communication, enabling us to connect more deeply with others. Moreover, this skill enables us to approach challenges with a growth mindset, facilitating problem-solving and innovative thinking. By embracing the power of questions, we can transform our personal and professional lives, leading to greater fulfillment and success.
4.”Change Your Questions, Change Your Life” emphasizes the distinction between “learner” and “judger” questions. How do you guide readers in recognizing and shifting from a judger mindset to a learner mindset, and what transformations can individuals expect in their lives when they make this shift, as discussed in your book?
“Change Your Questions, Change Your Life” underscores the importance of differentiating between “learner” and “judger” questions. The book guides readers in recognizing their current mindset and shifting from a judger to a learner mindset by first helping them identify the judger questions they may habitually ask, which tend to be self-critical and limiting. Then, the book provides practical tools, frameworks, and exercises to help readers reframe their thinking and adopt a learner mindset.
By making this mindset shift, individuals can expect transformative results in their lives. As learners, they cultivate curiosity, open-mindedness, and a desire to understand rather than pass judgment. This shift enhances problem-solving abilities, interpersonal connections, and collaboration. Readers will develop a more empowering and optimistic perspective, enabling them to embrace challenges, take risks, and learn from failures. They will access their creativity, unlock new perspectives, and experience increased resilience and adaptability. Ultimately, adopting a learner mindset empowers individuals to live more fulfilling lives, expanding their possibilities and achieving greater personal and professional growth.
5.In your book, you discuss the role of questioning in leadership and coaching. Could you share examples of leaders or coaches who have effectively used questioning techniques to inspire growth and change in themselves and others, as inspired by your book?
In my book “Change Your Questions, Change Your Life,” I discuss the significant role that questioning plays in leadership and coaching. Throughout the book, I provide numerous examples of leaders and coaches who have effectively utilized questioning techniques to inspire growth and change in themselves and others.
One such example is Jack Welch, the former CEO of General Electric, who is known for his powerful questioning style. Welch would regularly ask his team thought-provoking questions that encouraged them to challenge the status quo, think innovatively, and take ownership of their work. His questioning approach helped create a culture of continuous improvement and inspired his team to achieve remarkable results.
Another example is Bill Gates, who is renowned for his curious and inquisitive mindset. Gates uses questions to explore complex problems and generate innovative solutions. By continuously questioning the boundaries and possibilities, Gates has been able to drive significant advancements in technology and make a profound impact in the world.
Furthermore, many successful coaches, such as Tony Robbins, utilize powerful questions to challenge limiting beliefs and inspire personal growth. Robbins’ questions encourage individuals to reflect on their goals, values, and mindset, ultimately creating a mindset shift that helps them overcome obstacles and achieve their full potential.
These examples demonstrate how effective questioning techniques have been utilized by leaders and coaches to inspire growth and change, as discussed in my book. By adopting a questioning approach, leaders and coaches can create a supportive and empowering environment that fuels continuous improvement and enables individuals to reach new heights.
6.Your teachings often stress the significance of self-awareness and self-reflection. Can you elaborate on how readers can use self-awareness to identify their default questioning styles and work toward developing more empowering questions, as discussed in your book?
Self-awareness is essential in identifying our default questioning styles and shifting towards more empowering questions. To begin, readers can explore their patterns by paying attention to their internal dialogue and the questions they habitually ask themselves. They should observe whether their questions tend to be judgmental or limiting in nature. By becoming aware of these patterns, readers can then consciously choose to examine and reframe their questions.
One technique outlined in my book is the “Question Thinking” process. This involves asking three key types of questions: “Judger” questions, “Learner” questions, and “Switching it Up” questions. Through self-awareness, readers can recognize when they are asking judgmental or critical questions (Judger) that limit growth. By consciously shifting towards asking open-minded and curious questions (Learner), readers can foster growth, learning, and understanding.
Developing self-awareness also involves reflecting on the impact of our questions on ourselves and others. By examining the consequences of different questions, we can better understand how they shape our thoughts, emotions, and actions. This reflection encourages us to challenge our default questioning styles and seek more empowering alternatives.
In conclusion, self-awareness is foundational in identifying default questioning styles and moving towards empowerment. By observing our internal dialogue, applying the Question Thinking process, and reflecting on the impact of our questions, readers can embark on a journey of personal growth and transformation.
7.”Change Your Questions, Change Your Life” includes practical exercises and question-building strategies. Can you provide examples of these exercises and how readers can use them to practice and refine their questioning skills, as outlined in your book?
In “Change Your Questions, Change Your Life,” I provide various practical exercises and question-building strategies for readers to enhance their questioning skills. One example is the “Choice Map,” a powerful tool that allows individuals to explore their own limiting assumptions and transform them into empowering questions. Readers can use this exercise to identify any self-limiting or judgmental questions they may be asking themselves and reframe them into open, curious, and solution-focused inquiries.
Another exercise is the “Question Diary,” where readers can keep a journal to track their habitual questions throughout their day. By noting down the questions they ask and reflecting on their impact, readers can identify patterns and become more aware of the types of questions they tend to default to. This practice helps readers recognize the influence of their questions on their thoughts, emotions, and actions, and empowers them to make conscious choices about the questions they ask.
Furthermore, I provide frameworks such as the “Judger” and “Learner” mindset models, which help readers understand their default thinking patterns and shift to a more open and curious mindset. These models enable individuals to reflect on their questioning habits and refine them towards more generative, empowering, and growth-oriented inquiries.
Through regular practice of these exercises and strategies outlined in the book, readers can cultivate a more intentional and powerful questioning approach, leading to transformative personal growth and improved relationships both personally and professionally.
8.Your book encourages readers to adopt a mindset of curiosity and openness. Can you share guidance on how individuals can cultivate a mindset that embraces learning and growth through effective questioning, as inspired by the principles you’ve shared in your book?
To cultivate a mindset that embraces learning and growth through effective questioning, I would suggest the following guidance:
First, practice self-awareness and notice your current mindset. Be curious about the quality of your questions – are they judgmental, closed, or open and seeking understanding? Develop an intention to approach situations with a mindset of curiosity and openness.
Second, recognize the power of assumptions. Be curious about your own assumptions and beliefs, and be willing to challenge them. Ask questions that invite multiple perspectives and actively listen to the responses without judgment.
Third, develop the skill of reframing. When faced with a challenge or setback, ask yourself, “What can I learn from this?” Instead of adopting a fixed mindset that sees failure as a personal flaw, cultivate a growth mindset that looks for opportunities to learn and improve.
Finally, practice asking powerful questions. Start with open-ended questions that begin with “what” or “how,” as they invite exploration and learning. Ask questions without expecting a specific answer and be genuinely curious about the responses.
By consistently employing these practices, individuals can cultivate a mindset that embraces learning and growth through effective questioning, fostering curiosity, and opening themselves up to new possibilities.
9.”Change Your Questions, Change Your Life” offers a path to personal and professional transformation through intentional questioning. Can you describe the transformative journey that readers can embark on by applying the insights and techniques presented in your book?
“Change Your Questions, Change Your Life” offers readers a transformative journey by providing insights and techniques to harness the power of intentional questioning. By understanding the crucial role questions play in our lives, readers can become more self-aware and develop the ability to shift their thinking patterns.
Through the book, readers are invited to explore the “Judger” or “Learner” mindset, and recognize how their default questions can limit growth and success. By consciously choosing to ask learning-focused questions, readers can break free from negative thought patterns and tap into their potential.
The transformative journey begins with understanding the impact of questions on relationships, decision-making, and problem-solving. Readers learn to ask “choice” questions that promote curiosity, empathy, and collaboration. As they embrace the Learner mindset, they gain clarity, creativity, and resilience.
By applying the insights and techniques in the book, readers unlock personal and professional transformation. They cultivate better communication, build stronger relationships, and navigate challenges with confidence. Through intentional questioning, readers open the door to new possibilities and embark on a path of continuous growth and fulfillment.
10. Can you recommend more books like Change Your Questions, Change Your Life?
a) “The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle: This book offers profound insights into the importance of living in the present moment and teaches readers how to embrace mindfulness as a tool for personal transformation and finding inner peace.
b) “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success” by Carol S. Dweck: Similar to “Change Your Questions, Change Your Life,” this book explores the power of mindset and its impact on our achievements and happiness. Dweck provides valuable strategies to develop a growth mindset and overcome self-limiting beliefs.
c) “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz: In this book, Ruiz shares ancient Toltec wisdom and reveals four powerful agreements that can transform our lives. It guides readers towards personal freedom and living with integrity, encouraging self-reflection and self-improvement.
b) “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho: A captivating novel filled with spiritual wisdom, “The Alchemist” follows the journey of a young shepherd seeking his personal legend. This book inspires readers to listen to their hearts, pursue their dreams, and overcome obstacles on their path to self-discovery.
a) “The Untethered Soul” by Michael A. Singer: Offering profound insights into mindfulness and inner freedom, Singer’s book explores the nature of consciousness and provides practical tools to release negative thoughts and emotions. It guides readers towards a deeper understanding of themselves and their place in the world.
c) “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor E. Frankl: Drawing from his experiences as a Holocaust survivor, Frankl explores the importance of finding meaning in life, even in the midst of immense suffering. This book reveals the transformative power of purpose and resilience, empowering readers to confront life’s challenges with renewed strength.
In no particular order, these five books serve as excellent companions to “Change Your Questions, Change Your Life,” offering invaluable insights, practical strategies, and inspiring narratives to support personal growth and transformation.