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Humble Inquiry
Book

Humble Inquiry

The Gentle Art of Asking Instead of Telling

Berrett-Koehler, 2013 plus...


Editorial Rating

8

Qualities

  • Innovative
  • Applicable

Recommendation

Retired MIT professor Edgar H. Schein makes a solid case for humility. He explores the way American culture prioritizes action, practicality and competition over courteousness and respect. Schein encourages openness and curiosity about others in the form of “Humble Inquiry” – “the fine art of drawing someone out, of asking questions to which you do not already know the answer, of building a relationship based on curiosity and interest in the other person.” To counter a working environment often short of manners and civility, getAbstract recommends this slim but powerful book to executives, managers, leaders and anyone who wants to know how to ask a polite question and who really wants to know the answer.

Take-Aways

  • “Humble Inquiry” means “asking questions to which you do not already know the answer” and “building a relationship based on...interest in the other person.”
  • American culture focuses on “Telling” instead of “Asking.”
  • When you tell instead of ask, you can offend or demean others.

About the Author

Professor Edgar H. Schein retired from the MIT Sloan School of Management. He is the author of several books, including Helping and The Corporate Culture Survival Guide.


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