This morning I went to an “innovation breakfast” in Burlington, Vermont.  The speaker was Warren Berger talking about his book “A More Beautiful Question” inspired by e.e. cummings.   “Always the beautiful answer / who asks a more beautiful question.”

Here is the link to the author’s website: http://amorebeautifulquestion.com/

I am looking forward to diving into Warren’s book.  Everything he talked about had no parameters—this is applicable to all of our relationships-kids, partners, friends, family or business.  Thematically I am a sucker for far reaching messages.

The discussion was great and it confirmed something I’ve been telling my kids, mostly my 14 year old daughters a lot lately.  The smartest person in the room is always the person asking the most questions.  Genuine inquiry is where true connection resides.  I also remind them that a few of their favorite grown-up women in the entire universe ask questions all the time.  These women don’t let things hang in a conversation that they are uncertain about.  They ask.  They don’t worry about looking foolish, or being too personal—they are genuinely inquisitive and interested in people.  These remarkable women are storytellers and have taught me so much about drawing people out and allowing people to feel safe to open up or share information.

I think this is a very good question to ponder today: