I’m obsessed with questions.
So I created a list of 52 types of questions (based on the book, “A More Beautiful Question”).
Use these to solve problems, gain deeper insights and open up new opportunities in any area of life.
Feel free to save this and refer to it as a resource.
1. Actionable Question — A question designed to lead directly to a course of action.
Example: “What specific steps can I take to get more fit over the next 6 weeks?”
2. Ambulatory Inquiry — Involves actively moving through a space while reflecting or brainstorming, to gain new perspectives.
Example: “How does our office environment impact employee creativity as we walk through each area?”
3. Appreciative Inquiry — Focuses on identifying and amplifying what works well rather than focusing on problems.
Example: “What strengths do I have related to business I can leverage?”
4. Authentic Question — A genuine question asked out of curiosity rather than with an agenda.
Example: “What makes you passionate about this project?”
5. AWE Question (And What Else?) — A follow-up question to probe for further details or possibilities.
Example: “And what else could we explore to solve this issue?”
6. Beautiful Question — A deeply meaningful question that provokes reflection and potentially transformative ideas.
Example: “How might we create a world where living with an open heart is the norm?”
7. Best-Case Scenario Question — Imagines the most ideal outcome to inspire optimism and creative solutions.
Example: “What would our business look like if everything went perfectly according to plan?”
8. Bridge Question — Helps transition from one idea or perspective to another to maintain flow in inquiry.
Example: “How does this challenge relate to our other goals?”
9. Challenger Question — Questions assumptions or the status quo to encourage deeper thinking.
Example: “Why do we always approach this the same way?”
10. Closed Question — Limits responses to a simple “yes” or “no” or factual answer.
Example: “Did we meet last quarter’s sales target?”
11. Collaborative Inquiry — Encourages group exploration of a question, fostering teamwork and shared insights.
Example: “What solutions can we come up with together to generate more leads?”
12. Compound Question — A question that bundles multiple inquiries into one, often for broader understanding.
Example: “What is our primary goal, and how will we measure success?”
13. Connective Inquiry — Seeks to link ideas, concepts, or people to foster deeper insights or new solutions.
Example: “How does this project align with our company’s mission and values?”
14. Consensus-Building Question — Helps find common ground or shared views within a group.
Example: “What outcomes do we all agree would benefit the group?”
15. Constraint Question — Uses limitations to fuel creative problem-solving within defined boundaries.
Example: “How can we accomplish this with a limited budget?”
16. Contextual Inquiry — Focuses on the situation surrounding a question to clarify and understand nuances.
Example: “What current events are influencing people’s moods?”
17. Counterfeit Question — Appears genuine but may carry an agenda, often used to lead someone to a desired response.
Example: “Don’t you think we should consider more affordable options?”
18. Cupid Questions — Questions that deepen connections and may lead to affection or strong bonding.
Example: “What’s something that has had a major impact on your life?”
19. Echo Question — Repeats part of someone’s answer to invite further exploration.
Example: “You said you’re unsure about the timing — what makes you feel that way?”
20. Entrepreneurial Question — Encourages thinking like an innovator or startup founder, exploring potential ventures.
Example: “What unmet needs could our product address in the market?”
21. Five Whys — A series of “Why” questions to drill down to the root cause of a problem.
Example: “Why do I feel doubt around this? (and continue asking ‘why’ with each answer).”
22. Follow-Up Question — Probes deeper following a previous response to clarify or expand on information.
Example: “Can you tell me more about why you think that approach didn’t work?”
23. Guiding Question — A question that leads toward a specific line of thought or goal, often to inspire direction.
Example: “How could our work be structured to improve efficiency?”
24. How Might We Question — Used for ideation and problem-solving, structured to open possibilities.
Example: “How might we design a customer experience that stands out?”
25. Humble Inquiry — Shows genuine interest and humility, allowing the responder to feel valued.
Example: “Can you teach me about your approach to this?”
26. Ice-Breaker Question — Simple questions meant to start a conversation and build rapport.
Example: “What’s one thing you’re looking forward to this week?”
27. Immersive Questioning — Involves “living” a question, often experiencing it fully before seeking an answer.
Example: “What insights would emerge if I didn’t look at my phone at all today?”
28. Innovative Questioning — Encourages unique and original thinking for new solutions.
Example: “What would I do with my life if I had more money than I could ever spend?”
29. Invisible Teapot Question — Unusual or playful questions that open up imaginative or unconventional thinking.
Example: “If our product were a living creature, how would it behave?”
30. Jugular Question — Direct, challenging questions that go to the heart of the matter.
Example: “What’s really holding us back from reaching our potential?”
31. Leader Question — Questions that focus on leadership qualities and inspire responsibility.
Example: “How can I support my partner to be at their best?”
32. Mirror Question — Reflects questions back to the asker, encouraging self-examination.
Example: “What do you think your strengths bring to this situation?”
33. Mission Question — Reflects purpose and values, keeping efforts aligned with a larger goal.
Example: “How does this decision align with my values?”
34. Naïve Question — A question that appears simple but invites fundamental examination.
Example: “Why do we even do this?”
35. North/South or East/West Question — Explores dual perspectives or opposing views.
Example: “How would this look from their perspective?”
36. Open-Ended Question — Invites a detailed response, allowing for exploration and depth.
Example: “What has been your most valuable learning experience so far?”
37. Paraphrasing Question — Rephrases a point to confirm understanding or to explore a different angle.
Example: “So you’re saying that quality is more important than speed?”
38. Passion Question — Uncovers personal interests and motivations.
Example: “What inspires you to meditate every day?”
39. Perspective-Shifting Question — Encourages seeing from a different angle.
Example: “How would this situation look from the perspective of a Zen master?”
40. Productive Question — Focuses on generating forward momentum and practical results.
Example: “What’s one action we can take right now to address this?”
41. Question Sandwich — A sequence with a soft opener, direct question, and gentle follow-up for better reception.
Example: “I appreciate your input. How would you address this? I’d love to discuss any ideas.”
42. Questolution — A solution rephrased as a question to inspire creative thought.
Example: “What if we could solve the family drama by having more casual holidays?”
43. Responsible Questioning — Questions that maintain ethical consideration and sensitivity.
Example: “How can we ensure that our actions have a positive impact on society?”
44. Rote Question — Basic questions that check recall or confirm facts.
Example: “What time is the meeting?”
45. Skeptical Question — Encourages critical thinking and a careful approach.
Example: “What assumptions are we making here?”
46. Speculative Inquiry — An inquiry around hypothetical scenarios and future possibilities.
Example: “How would the world change if humanity had a massive spiritual awakening?”
47. Strategic Questioning — Addresses overarching goals and planning.
Example: “What strategic approach can I take to make sure I finish this book?”
48. Vuja De Questioning — Looks at familiar things in unfamiliar ways to uncover new ideas.
Example: “If we were just starting today, how would we approach this?”
49. WAIT (Why Am I Talking?) Question — Encourages self-reflection before speaking.
Example: “Is this input adding value to the conversation?”
50. “What If” Question — Considers specific “what if” (hypothetical) scenarios.
Example: “What if we could deliver our product in half the time?”
51. “Why/What If/How” Question Framework — A three-part questioning method to analyze, imagine, and act on ideas.
Example: “Why is this an issue? What if we tried a new approach? How might we start implementing changes?”
52. Worst-Case Scenario Question — Helps identify potential risks or challenges by envisioning the worst possible outcome.
Example: “What’s the worst that could happen if we proceed with this plan?”
Can you think of any other question types? I want to know if there’s more.
The Soul Writer Mastermind
I just started a community called the Soul Writer Mastermind.
It’s a sacred space for spiritually-inclined writers to access divine wisdom, find their authentic voice, and share their message with the world — all while being supported by conscious community.
Here’s some of what we focus on:
✨ Learn to write books (from the soul).
✨ Be more consistent with your writing.
✨ Open up new opportunities through writing (in your career, business, spiritual growth, etc).
✨ Inspire more people with your writing.
✨ Connect and collaborate with like-minded people.
And inside we have:
👨💻 Bi-weekly live calls
💪 Weekly accountability threads
🤝 Opportunities to collaborate
📚 An ever-growing resource database
🧙♂️ More surprises coming 😉
Note: You don’t have to consider yourself a “writer” to join. It’s not about fancy writing terminology or fixating on rigid writing rules. It’s about tuning into the wisdom of your soul and expressing it (consistently) through the written word. I don’t care about your credentials. I care that you have a deep calling toward some form of writing.
If this resonates with you, check it out here: Soul Writer Mastermind
Much love,
Stephen Parato
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