Good question is sometimes better than good answer

Almost everybody in IT knows 'Answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything', it is 42 - according to Douglas Adams book, but who knows the question?

It is just joke from the book but anyway makes valid point. Good questions are important.

From my coaching experience I can confirm it. People appreciate when I am asking good questions which help them to think different way or change perspective. They feel that in many cases it is more helpful than direct answers because they are able to figure out solution themselves. It is process of learning principles and getting fluency.

It is obvious that non-directive approach needs time. It would be crazy to do it in critical or very stressed situations where direct answer do the job right.

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