Humble Inquiry: The Gentle Art of Asking Instead of Telling

by Edgar H. Schein

The Key to Effective Communication

Communication is essential in a healthy organization. But all too often when we interact with peopleΓÇöespecially those who report to usΓÇöwe simply tell them what we think they need to know. This shuts them down. To generate bold new ideas, to avoid disastrous mistakes, to develop agility and flexibility, we need to practice Humble Inquiry.

Ed Schein defines Humble Inquiry as ΓÇ£the fine art of drawing someone out, of asking questions to which you do not know the answer, of building a relationship based on curiosity and interest in the other person.ΓÇ¥ In this seminal work, Schein contrasts Humble Inquiry with other kinds of inquiry, shows the benefits Humble Inquiry provides in many different settings, and offers advice on overcoming the cultural, organizational, and psychological barriers that keep us from practicing it.

Genre: Non Fiction