When attempting to help another solve a problem, we are better to serve them with questions rather than answers. We may at times come to believe that giving them our immediate answer is most helpful. You know, been there and done that, here is what you need to do.

The issue with giving just your answer for them to apply is that we would rarely know the full circumstances and depth of their problem. We would just assume what it was for the other without a line of questioning. Even though we wouldn’t know what the issue is, we’re quite sure we’ve got the answer they need.

There is a time to offer advice, but be certain that you know what’s going on first. Stay curious and genuine for a bit to learn more before offering a solution. Good questions help you to probe the issue with them and to be more prescriptive with options they might pursue. Flash card answers won’t help the other to learn along with you. Better to discover together what options the learner will confidently apply for themselves.

“What people think of as a moment of discovery is really the discovery of the question.” — Jonas Salk —

MITM