How Asking Good Questions Will Set Yourself Apart from Others

It’s often tempting to want to share your opinions in your ideas to show off your knowledge. What if I told you that asking good questions is actually more impressive?

The Power of a Good Question

I’m currently reading a book by Arnold Schwarzenegger, which includes this quote that inspired me to write this article.

“Important, interesting, powerful people are drawn to those who ask good questions and listen well.” — Arnold Schwarzenegger

It really resonated with me because I’d never thought about questions in that way.

I like to think of myself as a good listener, and I do like asking questions, but I didn’t realize how much of an impact it can actually have.

Being able to listen, ask good questions, and really understand the person you’re talking to will make you stand out and become more respected amongst others.

You Don’t Know Everything

Idon’t care who you are, what degree you have, how much knowledge you’ve accumulated over the years, you don’t know everything.

Admit it.

You should never be nervous to ask a question, no matter how simple or stupid you may think it is.

If you are genuinely curious, just ask. You will be glad to know the answer, and you’ll no longer be left wondering.

When you admit that you don’t know something, but show your eagerness to learn, others will be far more eager to teach you.

Acting as if you know everything will only make those who actually do know more than you far less likely to open up and share their valuable knowledge.

Listen, Listen, Listen and… Listen

Asking great questions only benefits you if you take the time to listen and retain the information you receive in return.

What’s the point of asking if you’re going to zone out and not retain any of the information?

If somebody is willing to share their unique experiences and knowledge with you, you owe it to them to soak it all in and put that new information to good work.

Arnold shared this incredible quote in this book from Epictetus:

“We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.” — Epictetus

Put Those Ears to Work

You can start listening and asking more questions right now, so try it out. Listening can be incredibly valuable in all aspects of life.

Whether you’re still in school, in a committed relationship, training for a new job, etc., you can ALWAYS benefit from putting this into practice.

Your partner will feel more loved and cared for, your grades will improve, your employer will be impressed.

I can assure you that you will be amazed at how much more you’ll know and actually understand.