Matthew Curtis
"Don't answer a question with a question!" were you ever told as a child it's rude?
Maybe it's not so common these days, but there was a time when it just wouldn't have been considered polite (especially for a child) to answer a question with another question.
Anyone that has been through the trials and tribulations of raising or working with young children will recognise the "why" phase which peaks at around 4 years old, seemingly every answer you give sparks the response "why" bear in mind at this age Children are asking 70-100 questions a day of their parents.
Why is often a great start to a question in a range of situations, "5 why's" is a well proven methodology for getting to root cause in problem solving - Don't be afraid of using Why to good effect.
Is it rude to answer a question with a question?
Actually it could be argued it's rude not to answer with another question, there are several levels of listening that we can deploy, from not listening at all (ignoring), pretending to listen, selective listening, listening to respond (to demonstrate our own knowledge or to drive our own agenda) through to active empathetic listening where we listen to really understand.
If you are listening to a question what is your objective as a responder and what is the goal of the question poser? perhaps it would only be polite to ask a simple why about how the question came about before diving headlong into an answer.
Great questioning and listening skills are the cornerstones of building high trust coaching and development conversations, driving up employee engagement and performance.
Understanding your own preferences around communication and being able to flex your style to suit different situations and audiences are key too.
DISC is a great assessment tool for helping you understand, your own preferences and how to spot the preferences of others and it's a tool we offer to clients that join us on coaching and leadership development programmes, during which we also work extensively on the key rapport building skills of effective listening and questioning.
The Case For Bootstrapping Your Business: The Path to Profitability and Independence In the vibrant, ever-evolving world of startups, the decision to bootstrap or seek early-stage investment can significantly shape the trajectory of your business. Bootstrapping, the art of building a company from the ground up using personal savings and revenues, often gets overshadowed by the allure of venture capital. However, the benefits of this self-reliant approach are profound and, in many cases, essential for long-term success and sustainability. 1. Complete Control and Ownership One of the most compelling advantages of bootstrapping is the retention of complete control and ownership. When you rely on your own resources, you’re not beholden to investors who may have their own vision or agenda. This autonomy allows you to make decisions that align with your mission and values, fostering a culture that reflects your authentic vision. It’s your business, and you call the shots—an empowering position that can lead to innovative and unorthodox solutions that set you apart from the competition. 2. Financial Discipline and Efficiency Bootstrapping necessitates a stringent level of financial discipline. Every dollar counts, and this constraint drives entrepreneurs to optimize every aspect of their operations. This frugality often leads to more efficient business practices, ensuring that resources are allocated to initiatives that directly contribute to growth and profitability. By focusing on generating revenue early and efficiently, bootstrapped businesses build a solid foundation that can withstand market fluctuations and economic downturns. 3. Strong Customer Focus Without the cushion of investor money, bootstrapped companies must prioritize their customers to generate revenue. This customer-centric approach often results in better products and services, as feedback is directly tied to the company's survival and success. Building a loyal customer base not only drives profitability but also creates a community of advocates who can help propel the business forward through word-of-mouth and organic growth. 4. Sustainable Growth Bootstrapping encourages sustainable, organic growth. Unlike venture-backed startups that may experience rapid, unsustainable growth driven by the need to satisfy investors, bootstrapped companies grow at a pace dictated by their actual performance and market demand. This steady, measured growth often leads to more stable and resilient businesses, capable of weathering industry shifts and economic challenges. 5. Creativity and Innovation Constraints breed creativity. When resources are limited, entrepreneurs are often forced to think outside the box to solve problems and achieve goals. This inventive mindset can lead to groundbreaking solutions and unique market positioning. Bootstrapped companies frequently develop innovative business models and creative marketing strategies that give them a competitive edge. 6. Higher Valuation When a bootstrapped business reaches the point where it’s ready to seek external investment, it often commands a higher valuation. Investors recognize the value in a company that has demonstrated profitability and a viable business model without external funding. This higher valuation means less equity dilution for the founders and a stronger negotiating position. 7. Personal Satisfaction and Confidence Finally, the journey of bootstrapping a business instills a deep sense of personal satisfaction and confidence. The knowledge that you’ve built something from scratch, relying on your own ingenuity and perseverance, is incredibly rewarding. This self-confidence can be a powerful driver for future endeavors and challenges, fostering a resilient entrepreneurial spirit. In conclusion, while seeking early-stage investment can provide a significant cash infusion and resources, bootstrapping offers a unique set of advantages that can lead to a more robust, customer-focused, and innovative business. By embracing the challenges and rewards of bootstrapping, entrepreneurs can build companies that are not only profitable but also aligned with their core values and vision. The path of bootstrapping is not easy, but for those who choose it, the rewards can be immense and deeply fulfilling.
Book your road-trip to success - via Take-off@m4cltd.com
These are some of the key benefits that family (or small) businesses get when they work with a non-exec director.