Ask Tough Questions

Principle #5: Ask Tough Questions

Why don’t you tell others your story? I asked. She responded with “are you kidding!” She continued “I would be so embarrassed. I don’t know if I could get it out. You are the first one I have ever talked about what happened to me. And I told you because you asked me tough questions, opening the door for me to spill my guts.”

Her life story, her tumultuous journey was filled with pain and hardship. Abuse, abandonment, bad decisions, and mistakes. She was not proud of what had happened to her. I told her that what she had experienced had shaped her into the powerful leader she had become. Your ability to navigate through and rise above, speaks volumes of your character, courage, and resilience.

Your story is one of eventual success and stands as a huge inspiration to others who have had to traverse an extremely rocky road, one which was horrific at times. You give hope to the hopeless, lessons for the unaware, and inspiration for the unmotivated.

When I was at the Institute for Innovative Leadership at Indiana University Northwest, my staff would laugh and tease me asking, “why does everyone who leaves your office look like they have been crying. Because I ask tough questions, often, ones no one has ever asked. They are forced to think, and I give them permission to unload.

Don’t be afraid to pose a difficult question or probe deeply. It demonstrates the intensity of your interest in that person, and allows them to process out loud with someone who is supportive and cares.

Principles Learned Along the Way

Adhere to these principles

Be Hungry to Learn

The man in the restroom was drying his hands as I came through the door. “Harold, what did you think of that speaker we just heard? His reply was, “He was…

Find Your Voice

She was leaning forward, lips animated, wagging her finger directly in his face. I was waiting in my car watching the drama unfold…

Let Your Light Shine

“She was confident, cheery, motivated, personable, and I hated her for it.” Those words came from Emily, a university Leadership Institute student during…

Support Their Dreams

He was sitting across from me, his head lowered. “I don’t think I can do this. I’m too old to do it.” He thought…

Ask Tough Questions

“Why don’t you tell others your story?” I asked. She responded with, “Are you kidding!” She continued…

Pass It On

It was their final training jump. As the commanding officer, he was the last one off the plane. He had to hit the ground…

FAQ

Responding to people, writing, national initiative, enjoying life. (See more about this on the about page –  the fun bio!)

First of all, I respond to just about anything. I have been called Kevin, Steve, Fitz, Kirk, Rick, Kirk Patrick, Captain Kirk, and Skeeter (wherever that came from).

If you would like to chat, send me an email with your areas of interest and we can set a time. 

Presentations: Tailored to your needs, witty, creative, and fun! I push people to think deeply, discover and act.

Executive Coaching: Clients have told me an hour of my time was more productive than the total time spent with another coach. I ask tough questions and tell you things no one else ever has.

Consultation: My effectiveness with groups of leaders comes because I challenge them! (See more about this on the about page – the fun bio!)