FEBRUARY 11 • GUEST ARTICLE • EPISODE 42
Understanding & Discerning 
The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.” Proverbs 4:7
I have a precious friend of 40+ years who is extremely gifted and blessed. He loves God’s word and helping others understand it. He is an amazing commercial pilot, drummer, thinker, and is extremely loyal and faithful. While discussing competence and leadership, he penned some thoughts I want to share.
“Here is a way that sheds the most light into understanding and discerning another person. This methodology is not offensive and can be used anytime, anywhere with anyone. Ask simple questions.”
“Never tell a colleague that they are wrong — ask questions that will enable them to come to the correct solution or answer. Then, commend them for being wise and discerning. People are fragile and do not like to be told they are wrong — ever. And most people are unaware that your sincere, specific questions were used to lead them to the answer that they really wanted and needed had they been thinking more clearly. Here’s a sample —
1. That is very interesting, what has led you to this discovery?
2. What reasons have led you to this?
3. How would you persuade others to come to the same conclusion?
4. Are there other considerations that should be looked at?
5. Have you ever considered Y?
6. What’s the ultimate purpose or goal that you are pursuing with ….?
7. What’s your greatest concern? Greatest Fear?
8. What’s your plan B?
9. What’s the best way to accomplish “X” and Why?
10. What is the Most Important Thing to remember?
11. What’s the worst thing that can happen and how should we respond?
12. How might others perceive this and respond or react?
“Now think deeply about the answers to understand the person better. Is this manipulative and being disingenuous? I don’t believe so. Christ often used questions to uncover root issues; so I’ve adopted this technique to uncover root intent and assess the CHARACTER of an individual so that I can proceed with wisdom in my future dealings.”
Pray: Lord, open our eyes that we may discover wisdom and pursue it!
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