Describing the difference between truly asking a question and really making a statement is a difficult task.

Grammatically, it is a punctuation mark.

Vocally, our voice rises at the end of a question and lowers at the end of a statement.

The words don’t even have to be different.  “What now?” has the same words as “Now what!” but isn’t close on meaning.

Mentally, the differences are bigger than Texas.

  • A question comes from curiosity. A statement says, “I know.”
  • A question is an invitation to dance. A statement is a command performance.
  • You never know what the answer will be when you truly ask a question. There are no unknowns with a statement.
  • Questions provoke thinking. Statements may not even produce a reply. You’ll never hear an A-HA moment if you only tell.
  • The more open the question, the more thought is generated. Think about “What do you want this month?” versus “How will you hit your sales quota?”

Coaches ask questions.  They want to hear your truth.  Mentors ask questions with a twist.  They want you to learn the subtle answer they know.  Trainers ask questions to help you pass the test.

Think about leading your team.  Now think about differences among these:

  • What do you expect in your business this month?
  • What’s your goal this month?
  • How many recruits will you have this month?
  • How much of our team goal will you produce?

Leaders ask coaching, mentoring, and training questions.  The hardest part for a leader is not the question but the framework the leader brings to the question.  If you can’t find the differences, then maybe you want to ask yourself some questions.

  • What type of a leader am I now?
  • Am I the leader I want to be for this person?
  • How do I change my role?

We often fall into our answers through experience.

  • What if you decided to be deliberate rather than letting your past control your question?
  • What do you need to know you don’t know now?

Who Helps You with Your Attitude?

Growing as a leader means getting out of your own way; making your words match your deeds.  At Team Connections Pro, we support you using the principles of positive accountability.  AND IT WORKS!   How do we know?  Some of the most successful leaders in direct selling have told us.  You can read what they have to say.  For $20, you can try it out. Leave when you are ready. If you don’t find yourself changing,  then you can cancel with no further obligation.