Book/Reading Review
Executive Coaching, Andrea V. Picazo
John Baugus
10-03-16
Description
A. Schein, E. H. (n.d.). Humble inquiry: The gentle art of asking instead of telling.
B. The purpose of this book is to provide the reader with a comprehensive understanding of humble inquiry as it relates to building positive relationships in the workplace and in life.
C. This book discusses the concept of humble inquiry as it relates to building relationships. The main focus centers around the art of “asking” rather than “telling” when it comes to interactions with others. The book offers numerous examples from the workplace and Schein’s personal life, to illustrate the value of great inquiry and the frustration that results from poor questioning. …show more content…
Schein defines humble inquiry as the fine art of drawing someone out, asking questions to which you do not already know the answer, of building a relationship based on curiosity and interest to the other person (pg. 2). Schein describes the best approach to humble inquiry is to do less telling, learn to do more asking and do a better job of listening (pg7).
The author introduces three different kinds of humility: basic humility, optional humility, and here-and-now humility (pg. 11). Schein spends quite a bit of time explaining the here-and-now type of humility as it is crucial for the understanding of humble inquiry. This third type of humility focuses on power and position. It illustrates the risks of telling, and the power of superiors recognizing their dependency on those in positions beneath them to deliver a needed outcome.
Schein also discusses four types of inquiry; humble inquiry, diagnostic inquiry, confrontational inquiry and process-oriented inquiry (pg39). He devotes a couple of chapters to illustrating the dangers of current cultural notions that hinder effective communication such as: “telling” rather than “asking”, positions and hierarchy, and our own limiting beliefs and attitudes. Schein concludes the book discussing attitude development and how we can and should move forward using humble
Executive Coaching, Andrea V. Picazo
John Baugus
10-03-16
Description
A. Schein, E. H. (n.d.). Humble inquiry: The gentle art of asking instead of telling.
B. The purpose of this book is to provide the reader with a comprehensive understanding of humble inquiry as it relates to building positive relationships in the workplace and in life.
C. This book discusses the concept of humble inquiry as it relates to building relationships. The main focus centers around the art of “asking” rather than “telling” when it comes to interactions with others. The book offers numerous examples from the workplace and Schein’s personal life, to illustrate the value of great inquiry and the frustration that results from poor questioning. …show more content…
Schein defines humble inquiry as the fine art of drawing someone out, asking questions to which you do not already know the answer, of building a relationship based on curiosity and interest to the other person (pg. 2). Schein describes the best approach to humble inquiry is to do less telling, learn to do more asking and do a better job of listening (pg7).
The author introduces three different kinds of humility: basic humility, optional humility, and here-and-now humility (pg. 11). Schein spends quite a bit of time explaining the here-and-now type of humility as it is crucial for the understanding of humble inquiry. This third type of humility focuses on power and position. It illustrates the risks of telling, and the power of superiors recognizing their dependency on those in positions beneath them to deliver a needed outcome.
Schein also discusses four types of inquiry; humble inquiry, diagnostic inquiry, confrontational inquiry and process-oriented inquiry (pg39). He devotes a couple of chapters to illustrating the dangers of current cultural notions that hinder effective communication such as: “telling” rather than “asking”, positions and hierarchy, and our own limiting beliefs and attitudes. Schein concludes the book discussing attitude development and how we can and should move forward using humble