Power Questions: Build Relationships, Win New Business, and Influence Others

109. If you had a couple of extra hours in the week, what would
you spend them on?
110. What are the favorite things you like to do when you're not. .
.? (at the office, taking care of your family, etc.)
Empathizing with Others
111. Tell me, how are you?
112. Can you say more about that? What's going on?
113. What do you mean when you say you're feeling . . . ?
114. Why do you think that happened?
115. How did you feel about that?
116. I'm trying to imagine what you're feeling. I think it's (angry,
embarrassed, proud, etc.). Is that right?
117. How (angry, embarrassed, proud) would you say you are
right now?
118. Was what happened difficult for you? I imagine it was
challenging. [Never be dismissive—take everything that's said
seriously.]
119. Do you feel that was the right thing to do? Or, Do you think
that was the right response? [Don't judge. Judgment stops
empathy dead in its tracks. Ask the other persons what they
think!]
120. It seems like there are really two different issues going on
here, is that right? Or, It seems like you feel stuck between a rock
and a hard place. . .is that right? [Paraphrase and affirm.
Summarizing what someone has said is boring and tedious.
Paraphrasing, or synthesizing, is far more powerful].
121. What are you thinking of doing? Or, What do you think your
options are?
122. I had a very similar experience. Can I share it with you?
123. Is there anything I can do that would be helpful?

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Getting Feedback about a Professional Relationship
124. From your perspective, how do you feel our collaboration is
going?