New York Times Bestseller
“What, What? is a welcome—and joyful—reminder that true wisdom comes from asking the right questions. Should you read this book? Absolutely.”
—Clayton Christensen, bestselling author of How Will You Measure Your Life?
Based on the wildly popular commencement address, the art of asking (and answering) good questions by the Dean of Harvard University’s Graduate School … wildly popular commencement address, the art of asking (and answering) good questions by the Dean of Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education.
Whether we’re in the boardroom or the classroom, we spend far too much time and energy looking for the right answer. But the truth is that questions are just as important as answers, often more so. If you ask the wrong question, for instance, you’re guaranteed to get the wrong answer. A good question, on the other hand, inspires a good answer and, in the process, invites deeper understanding and more meaningful connections between people. Asking a good question requires us to move beyond what we think we know about an issue or a person to explore the difficult and the unknown, the awkward, and even the unpleasant.
In Wait, What?, Jim Ryan, dean of Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education, celebrates the art of asking—and answering—good questions. Five questions in particular: Wait, what?; I wonder…? Couldn’t we at least…?; How can I help?; and What truly matters? Using examples from politics, history, popular culture, and social movements, as well as his own personal life, Ryan demonstrates how these essential inquiries generate understanding, spark curiosity, initiate progress, fortify relationships, and draw our attention to the important things in life—from the Supreme Court to Fenway Park. By regularly asking these five essential questions, Ryan promises, we will be better able to answer life’s most important question: “And did you get what you wanted out of life, even so?” At once hilarious and illuminating, poignant and surprising, Wait, What? is an inspiring book of wisdom that will forever change the way you think about questions.
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Practical advice on conducting effective conversations that bring illumination of the matter at hand.
Common-sensical, real-life examples from the writer’s own life on how to avoid bad decisions by asking the right sorts of questions . Engaging, well-written, helpful.
I loved every minute of this book. Didn’t want to put it down! Great insights packed inside a very funny package. Read for fun learning!
Great tactics for dealing with people
A must read primer for all. Illustrated with situations from his own life, we learn the key questions that are essential life tools.
It’s a recommendation of a series of five questions that the author thinks are essential to ask yourself or others, especially if a decision is pending or there’s a disagreement. I don’t think they’re life-changing, but at least good to think about. The writing is nothing special, but it’s clear, and in a book like this, that’s what counts..
Sometimes having the answers is not enough… knowing the “ right “ questions to ask will lead you to the answers you need! This book is a primer on asking those questions.
Such an interesting way to get more information during conversations. I just wished I could remember all the questions to use (there are only 4 or 5). Love the Wait! …. What?
This short book is a general reminder to step back and ask before reacting.
This book made me consider looking at things with a different point of view. It was not too heavy, but did reflect on a variety of topics!
good reading and thinking material
Really couldn’t get into it. A bit too wordy. Maybe a few more questions and less detail in the why…..felt like a lecture not an entertaining read..
For me It was a little too conversational. I like to get to the point.
Tips to use for the rest of my life.
I thought this book was inspiring. It had useful suggestions about raising various questions in life. The questions came with helpful anecdotes, usually humorous. After reading the e-book, I ordered two print copies to give to family members as gifts.
think about what you say
Day to day life leaves us tired physically and mentally. We start on a course after high school or college and whatever routine we establish, we continue sometimes for years with little variation , without reevaluating ourselves, our partners or our health. Then we hit 50 and/ or someone close to us dies, and we wake up to realize 30 years have escaped us. Have we accomplished what we had in mind back in college? Are our relationships what we expected them to be?
This book presents Socratic type questioning of ourselves to try to help us stay on track and end up where we wanted to go.
Interesting read
It was ok… not exactly rocket science and in fact probably stuff you already knew. The author just collected the thoughts and put them together.
Kinda a common sense read. Some good stories to make his point. Not real deep. Bought it cheap, so I got my money’s worth.