Quirky Questions Bring Jazz to Beethoven
Curiosity about people sets you apart. Questions tell people they matter.
People don’t love being around you because you’re brilliant. They love being around you because they feel brilliant when they’re with you.
Magnetic people don’t try to impress. They’re easily impressed.
Ask Quirky Questions:
Conversations usually feel like sheet music. But leaders improvise.
Being interesting begins with being interested. Ask something unexpected. Then ask the second question.
- What’s a place you’ve visited that left a lasting impression on you? Why do you think that’s sticking with you?
- What’s the most interesting thing you’ve read or watched recently? What’s interesting about that?
- Who has had a positive influence on your life? How are you like that person today?
Second questions reveal deep realities.
Curiosity in Short Interactions:
- What’s the best part of your day so far?
- What are you looking forward to?
- Anything fun happening today?
- What’s working?
More Questions:
Bring jazz to Beethoven. Unpredictable curiosity works when you’re playful and positive.
- If you could be a movie star, who would you be?
- What’s a weird talent you wish you had?
- If your life were a TV show, what would it be?
Pro Tips:
Quirky questions feel weird when they’re completely out of character. Choose informal moments.
- Before a meeting—what’s the worst meeting you ever attended before you came to this company?
- While drinking coffee—what animal do you become when you miss your coffee in the morning?
- While discussing work—what’s your spirit animal in the office jungle?
Warning:
Share a bit of yourself. Good conversations aren’t interrogations. But don’t steal the focus.
Don’t simply start a conversation—create a moment.
Action tip:
If this is new to you, test it out with a friend. Be transparent. Tell them you’re learning to have vibrant conversations.
What questions jazz up conversations and strengthen connections?
15 Questions that Change the Way People Think
I frequently ask my five grandsons, “What questions do you have for me?”
Great questions open the door to new ideas about a person’s goals, dreams, frustrations, obstacles, insights, and philosophy. They serve a purpose — to better understand what someone is thinking, feeling, and why.
Paul B. Thornton
We learn about people from the questions they ask. We see their values, concerns, goals, and frustrations. I can see your question working well when there’s trust and our responses aren’t preachy.
I’ve heard that complaints communicate someone’s values. I like the idea of expanding that to questions as well.
Oh, this is fun. I especially like the second question is the best question. I think the first question engages attention and slightly relaxes the defenses. The second question requires a pause because it’s a left turn. Combined with the relaxed defenses, deeper thought and creativity flourish. People are invited to reveal more. It becomes a beautiful dance.
I’m glad you appreciate the second question. Your reflection explains it beautifully. People usually don’t ask follow-ups that give people a chance to think about themselves. It’s a gift.