The Lost Art of Asking: Shifting from Judgement to Curiosity

$247.00

Asking questions is a vital tool in our mediator toolbox. We ask questions to aid in understanding. We intend to be helpful and open, so when we get a defensive reaction, we wonder what we did wrong?

In some instances, our well-intentioned questions lead to an argument about what happened - which is a great lead-in to the “Blame Game”. Other times, our questions end up as hidden attempts to steer the conversation where we want it to go, but the clients just won’t go there.

There are so many ways our questions can impact conflict and understanding, it’s no wonder many of us are apprehensive about what to ask and how to ask it.

In this short course, we will uncover our professional tendencies to steer and direct (with the best of intentions!), and make a fundamental shift by understanding:

  • What’s going on when our questions get a defensive reaction?

  • How do our brains work when we feel a need to defend?

  • What role does targeted curiosity play in productive dialogue?

  • How can we still be curious after all we have seen and heard?

  • How does a problem-solving mindset affect our effectiveness?

  • Why do mediators need to revive the (lost) art of asking?

Written Materials:

Template for asking better questions
Managing information-gathering when you meet resistance
Understanding why curiosity helps bring calm
How questions aid in self-reflection (and evidence that clients want this!)

Live 2-hr session:

January 20 , 2027· 3-5 pm EST. The training session will be recorded if you cannot attend live.

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