The Power Question

Do you want to make a positive difference in the world? There’s one question that combines servant leadership mentality with a focus on results. I call it “The Power Question” because it carries a lot of clout. It contains the results driven muscle of helpfulness, compassion, and empowerment in learning what is truly important to others. Here it is.

“What one thing can I do for you that will most help you make a positive difference?”

If you come across someone who is unfocused or troubled, lost in a tizzy of disorder or stalled with ineffective confusion, ask him or her The Power Question. It requires them to slow down and assess how you and your abilities could best help them. You are forcing them to delegate a task to you that must be positive in nature, or at the very least lead to a positive outcome. Once determined, honor the request -- after all you asked for it. Accomplishing that mission will make you feel like a million bucks and will no doubt be of great service to the recipient.

You may need to help some along. Start brainstorming together and eventually you’ll both be able to come across a very good idea that will help the other person positively move forward. Those deep in disarray could give you an ill-conceived knee-jerk response. Just coax them gently with the clarification, “Will that best help you make a positive difference?” They will ultimately respond with what they think you can do for them and they’ll appreciate the attention you’re giving them.

If you ever find yourself stuck and unsure of what to do next, go to someone, anyone and ask The Power Question.

“What one thing can I do for you that will most help you make a positive difference?”

You will always get a well-intentioned answer. Being able to help someone when you are having difficulties is one of the best medicines available. Quite often the very act of helping another has the pleasant side effect of resolving your own troubles simultaneously. You frequently find your problem to be insignificant when matched against that of another. In some instances, time spent away from your own problem gives your mind a chance to work on it without your continual interruption. Sometimes the lessons you learn while helping someone else can be applied to your own problem. Honestly answering The Power Questions will create a positive and proactive feeling in yourself, the likes of which you probably have not experienced in quite a long time.

So go ahead and ask The Power Question. Try to get in the habit of asking it of someone different everyday. You’ll be enhancing relationships and in no time building a reputation as a helpful problem solver. What could be better?