Ask More: The Power of Questions to Open Doors, Uncover Solutions, and Spark Change

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MISSION QUESTIONS

Mission questions ask us to find shared purpose and turn a challenge into a common goal. They ask us how we can contribute and accomplish something worthy and needed. These questions connect mission to people. They inspire generosity and help us come together, give of ourselves, and accomplish good things.

Discovery: What do you care about? What do you stand for? What are your passions in life?

Start by asking about what matters and why. If a friend is interested in childhood obesity, find out why. If they’re passionate about global hunger, is it because they were in the Peace Corps and helped feed a village or because they have been to New Delhi and witnessed hunger up close? Discover the mission and understand where it comes from.

Aspirations and Mission: Once you’ve established motivation and purpose, you can ask what your friend wants to do or change. What difference does she want to make? Where has she directed her efforts and to what result? Does she know what you are doing and how it aligns with her interests? These questions help you find the pieces you share and the places you complement each other.

Join Forces: How can you work together to advance the cause? How would your common goals be advanced if you joined forces? Look ahead and ask what you can accomplish together. What roles will you play? What’s needed most? What will you have to show for your efforts? What difference will it make? Whether in philanthropy or in a mission-driven workplace, these are the questions that flesh out shared purpose and establish aspirations and goals.

Listen: Carefully listen for expressions of interest in a cause, a problem or a mission-driven job. Take special note of personal anecdotes or stories that bring the mission to life or examples of past activities that could indicate areas for collaboration. Pick up on comments that suggest your interests overlap and your goals are similar.

Try: A brain sharpener. Sit with a friend for half an hour and ask about his or her volunteer work or philanthropy. Don’t take notes, but find five related convictions or activities that you share. Now ask a series of questions about each. This exercise will force you to ask targeted questions and listen intently. It’s also a memory test. Be genuinely interested in the other person. Again, try to have this conversation without using the words “I” or “me.”