Questionable Questions

Questions are powerful.

Presidential historians believe that the questions presidents ask and the way they ask those questions have huge ramifications. Questions asked and not asked influence policy initiatives, invasions, and trips to the moon.

Likewise, success or failure hangs on the questions managers and technical people ask when planning releases, making decisions, considering strategy alternatives or looking for improvements.
Yet we don’t often stop to consider the questions we ask. Every question contains assumptions and while the question opens one avenue of inquiry, it closes others.
In this session, we’ll consider the questions we do ask, the questions we don’t ask, the questions we could ask. We’ll look at what the questions people ask us reveal assumptions, who gets to ask questions, questions that mislead, and when its best not to ask questions, but rather to go and see.

In this session, we’ll consider the questions we do ask, the questions we don’t ask, the questions we could ask. We’ll look at what the questions people ask us reveal assumptions, who gets to ask questions, questions that mislead, and when its best not to ask questions, but rather to go and see.

About Esther Derby

I draw on four decades of experience leading, observing, and living organizational change. I work with a broad array of organizations. My clients include both start ups and Fortune 500 companies.

Based on experience and research, my approach blends attention to humans and deep knowledge of complex adaptive systems.

I have been called one of the most influential voices within the agile communities when it comes to developing organizations, coaching teams, and transforming management. My work over many years has influenced coaches and leaders across many companies.

Background
I started my career as a programmer. However, over the years I’ve worn many hats, including business owner, internal consultant and manager. From all these perspectives, one thing was clear: individual, team, and even organizational success depends greatly on the work environment and organizational dynamics. As a result, I have spent the last twenty-five years helping companies shape their environment for optimum success.

My formal education includes an MA in Organizational Leadership and a certificate in Human Systems Dynamics.

Follow me on Twitter @estherderby

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