Reflection on Session with Patrick Jinx : The Power of a Question
During Patrick Jinx’s session, I gradually leaned toward the perspective that asking the right question is more powerful than providing the right answer, offering solutions, or applying the best technique to move an organization forward. We agreed that the art of questioning is essential in parenting, problem-solving, strategic planning, and, most importantly, in research and learning.
One of the key takeaways for me was learning the Q-Focus technique, a structured method that encourages participants in meetings, group discussions, or conversations to raise questions about the status quo of a problem or topic under review. This technique follows five guiding rules:
- No talking while others are asking questions
- Scribe precisely
- No judging, discussing, or answering during questioning
- Avoid closed-ended questions (no YES/NO framing)
For example, if the discussion topic is “Your life five years from now”, participants are asked to generate open-ended questions about their future. Instead of closed questions, they might ask: What am I doing today to ensure a better tomorrow? How can I improve in my work? Why am I not progressing as planned?
By practicing this method, I realized how powerful questions can be. They push us to imagine the future, confront challenges with solutions, and cultivate a desire for growth and change. I now value questions, both my own and those from others, because they spark deeper thinking, inspire innovation, and help us better understand the obstacles we must overcome as we reinvent systems for the future of our families, communities, and organizations.