Are You Asking the Right Questions?

Have you ever heard of the man named Joe Outhouse? He grew so weary of the teasing over his name that he finally had it changed---to Bill Outhouse. When asked why the change to "Bill", he replied, " I was tried of my friends always saying, "Hello Joe, what do you know?"

Henry Blackaby tells of a seminary professor, who often declared, "If you ask the wrong question, you'll get the wrong answer". He goes on to say, "Some people spend an inordinate amount of time addressing irrelevant issues...."

When I started my company many years ago, I was contracted by the State of Arkansas to do "audit's" of companies who needed to be asked the "right questions" for the purpose of discovering the actions necessary for on going growth. Over the years I've had several organizations and managers say.." I suspect we need to look at changes which should be made, or ways to make improvements, but I just don't know where or how to get started." Looking at a company holistically, (processes, leadership, sales, marketing, employee relations etc.) requires asking the right "questions." Like a doctor reaching the proper diagnosis it can only happen by discovery i.e. asking the right questions.

When I started my company over 20 years, I provided those free audits to organizations for a financial purpose.... Today, as part of a research project I'm going to make that same offer again. But before I describe the details of the offer, allow me to describe the requirements or understanding of those being questioned.

> Organizations must be open mined and even teachable.

> They must believe that they are not broken, but rather, seeking a new level of success.

> Leaders must be willing to be realistic and not hypnotize themselves or be delusional.

> It is a "snap shot" evaluation and a starting place for improvement.

> I am not building work for my self, I am offering an outside view as a business coach who has seen what good companies do and show how you might compare.

> I must be given access to those who can provided the right answer.

> Names of the companies will never be made public. All proprietary information will be protected.

> When the "right questions" have been asked and answered, then I will submit to you the "first steps" necessary to get started for growth and improvement.

The offer...I will give up to two days at no charge for my services. Depending on the size of the organization 2 days will probably be enough for most organizations to get the snap shot. The cost to the organizations will require covering all my travel related expenses. If you know of some group, company or organization that needs to be asked the "right questions" and be part of this project, please let me know.