A Starter Collection of Questions

People collect everything from McDonalds Happy Meal toys to antique guns to books to cars. Of all the things you’ve heard of people collecting, perhaps questions isn’t on that list. nnCollecting questions might seem unusual, but consider this: people typically collect things for at least on of three reasons: nnWhat they are collecting is meaningful. nWhat they are collecting is valuable. nGreat use or pleasure is derived from the pursuit of collecting, or the use of what is collected. nAnd collecting questions fits into each of these categories. nnWhile the questions themselves may not have the inherent value of a classic car or rare coin, the benefits that can be gained from having them in your collection can be amazing. Questions can aid you in any aspect of your life and having the ability to use the right questions skillfully at the right time can increase your influence, satisfy your curiosity, help you solve problems and make your life easier. nnIt is for all of these reasons and more that I collect questions, and I suggest that you do the same. nnWhat follows is a starter set of questions for you to help you get your collection going. These multi-use questions will serve you well in any number of situations. nn The Starter List nnHow can I help? nWhat has to be done? nCan you explain the process? nHow do you feel about it? nCan you explain that further? nWhat is your perspective on this? nWhat are some of the reasons this didn’t work as well as you had hoped? nWhat change can we make for the better? nWhat would you definitely do again? nWhat would perfect look like? nWhat key results are we looking for? nHow do you mean? nCan you say more about that? nWhat did you have in mind? nHow do you feel about this? nWhat do you think? nCan you tell me more about why you want to do it this way? nHow did you come to your decision? nWhat factors played into your decision? nCan you elaborate on that? nCan you give me some examples? nnAdding to Your Collection nnThese 21 multi-purpose questions will give your collection a great start! Of course, not all of these questions would be used in any one situation, which is exactly why you need a collection. This is truly just a start. nnBuild on your collection by consciously noticing great questions. Once you are looking for them you will find them: nnIn your own conversations nIn what you read nWhen listening to good radio or television interviewers nIn your memory nExpand your collection further by asking people you respect to share the questions that work best for them. nnStamp collectors don’t just toss their stamps into a drawer or box – they store those valuable and interesting stamps in a safe and accessible place. You should consider doing the same for your questions! nnConsider having a question file on your computer, in your planner, in a special place in your journal, or in a completely separate question collection journal. Once you decide to be a collector you will find a storage and collection plan that works best for you. nnThere is no better time than now to start building your collection file. The good news is that this article gives you a good start! You may modify some of these or not include some at all. Like any other collection it needs to be personal to be most meaningful and helpful to you. nnI wish you great success in collecting the questions that will serve you best in reaching your personal and professional goals.nn