Published by Robert A. & Vicki L. Prentice of Professional Development Systems
February 11, 2008 Issue 287
From the Desk of Bob
Greetings!
Lately, I have been on a mission to ask everyone I come into contact with some pretty tough questions; in learning the answers to these questions, I am better able to help others accomplish their goals, dreams and desires. Here is a sample of some of these tougher questions:
What are you doing right now that causes you pain and frustration in your life? Would you like to address that challenge and hit it head on?
If there were a way you could improve your leadership skills would you want to know more about that?
Would you like to increase your sales skills in order to make more money or to start a business?
Do you carry fear or heavy burdens that hold you back from the success you desire in your life?
Is there a huge qualified risk you'd like to take but fear is causing you to hesitate? Why?
Is it difficult for you to share your ideas in a group of people?
I encourage you to take some time to answer these questions for yourself.
SPECIAL NOTE: Perhaps you would like to respond back to me with your answers to any or all of these questions. If so, I would love to go to work for you, as a personal coach and trainer, to help you make some healthy and positive change happen in your life. Just contact me and we can get started immediately.
To Your SUCCESS! Bob
bob@mrattitudespeaks.com
In this week's issue
Life Attitudes
Seeds of Success: Asking Questions in a Winsome Manner
Sunny Side of Life
Mr. Attitude's Life Tested Tools
Life Attitudes
"There are no foolish questions, and no man becomes a fool until he has stopped asking questions." -Charles Proteus Steinmetz
"People who ask confidently get more than those who are hesitant and uncertain. When you've figured out what you want to ask for, do it with certainty, boldness and confidence." -Jack Canfield
"The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing." -Albert Einstein
"Successful people ask better questions, and as a result, they get better answers." -Anthony Robbins
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Seeds of Success: Asking Questions in a Winsome Manner
By Robert A. Prentice
It seems to me that people in general do not ask enough questions; there seems to be something that holds them back from asking questions. Sometimes, I believe it is that people do not want to know the answers; sometimes they think they already have the answers so do not need to ask questions. I am convinced that many people do not ask questions because they are either afraid to ask them or they just don't know how.
As hard as asking questions can be for some of us, it is absolutely vital to our success in every area of life to learn how to ask questions. But before we get into that, lets review the benefits of asking questions. Asking questions
* Opens the lines of communication.
* Saves you time.
* Helps you clarify and make better decisions.
* Causes people to think and sometimes feel pain.
* Gives you knowledge and wisdom.
You should never be afraid to ask questions, but you must first be sure you have the right attitude. I believe the best way to do that is to always ask permission before you begin asking questions. Simply say something like, "May I have your permission to ask you a few questions?" This shows your respect for the other person and helps to put them in the right attitude to answer your questions. Once you have gained a person's permission, you may proceed with your questions, asking in a winsome manner.
There are a number of different types of questions; I will share three of them with you here:
Person-centered questions are a great way to build a rapport, and establish a foundation for great communications.
Here are a couple of examples of person-centered questions: What do you do for fun? Do you have any hobbies? Have you learned anything new lately?
Problem-centered questions cause people to make change or arouse in them an eager want to make change.
Here are a couple of examples of problem-centered questions: What will happen if you continue on this path? What is the downside?
Payout-centered questions (my favorite type of question to ask) gets people thinking in terms the ultimate benefits they might receive.
Here are a couple examples of payout-centered questions: What will it ultimately mean to you if this challenge were resolved? How will you benefit if we were to overcome this?
May I encourage you to ask more questions? In asking questions, you will learn, you will grow, and you will cause people to think differently. Asking questions in a winsome manner will enhance your life!
On the Sunny Side of Life: Advertising Blunders
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Our experienced Mom will care for your child. Fenced yard, meals, and smacks included.
Dog for sale: Eats anything and is fond of children.
Man wanted to work in dynamite factory. Must be willing to travel.
Stock up and save. Limit: one. Semi-Annual after-Christmas Sale.
Three-year old teacher needed for pre-school. Experience preferred.
Mixing bowl set designed to please a cook with round bottom for efficient beating.
Girl wanted to assist magician in cutting-off-head illusion. Blue Cross and salary.
Dinner Special: Turkey $2.35; Chicken or Beef $2.25; Children $2.00
Bob "Mr. Attitude" Prentice is available for Keynote, conference engagements, and in-house company training assignments Call to schedule Bob TODAY! 800.437.9715
Read on...
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