Big Questions for Great Conversations by SOLE Colombia

THE POWER OF A BIG QUESTION

solecolombia — 2021-04-16 23:04:28 UTC

“Questions can be like a lever you use to pry open the stuck lid on a paint can.... If we have a short lever, we can only just crack open the lid on the can. But if we have a longer lever, or a more dynamic question, we can open that can up much wider and really stir things up. . . . If the right question is applied, and it digs deep enough, then we can stir up all the creative solutions.”

Fran Peavey, pioneer in the use of strategic questions.*

YOU HAVE THE POWER TO STIR UP A GREAT CONVERSATIONS

solecolombia — 2021-04-16 23:04:28 UTC

You, Ambassador or Granny, have all the freedom to create the Big Question you want and stir up your great conversation.

Asking good Big Questions is an art! It can also be the hardest part of a SOLE session. The best way to learn to ask good questions is to ask them, without fear. There is no bad or silly question. As we answer them, more interesting or complex questions arise.

What are Big Questions?

solecolombia — 2021-04-16 23:04:28 UTC

Big questions are the ones that don’t have an easy answer. They are often open and difficult; they may even be unanswerable. The aim of them is to encourage deep and long conversations, rather than finding easy answers.

A Big Question:

generates curiosity in the listener
stimulates reflective conversation
is thought-provoking
surfaces underlying assumptions
invites creativity and new possibilities
generates energy and forward movement
channels attention and focuses inquiry
stays with participants
touches a deep meaning
evokes more questions

CONVERSATIONS TO CREATE THE FUTURE WE WANT

solecolombia — 2021-04-16 23:04:28 UTC

With your SOLE you can ask Big Questions that allow us to dream of the future we want and that help us create together, ways to make those dreams come true and inspire mobilisation.

THE POWER OF A BIG QUESTION

solecolombia — 2021-04-16 23:04:28 UTC

"To me, the most energizing questions are those that involve people’s values, hopes, and ideals — questions that relate to something that’s larger than them, where they can connect and contribute. People don’t have a lot of energy around questions that are only about removing pain."

Verna Allee (EE. UU.)*

3 QUALITIES

solecolombia — 2021-04-16 23:04:28 UTC

3 qualities of a Big Question are:

OPENNESS: A Big Question opens the world, opens our imagination about what is truly possible, creates space, opens our minds and our being. Therefore, your mission is to create that opening.
PASSION: A Big Question emerges from what we are passionate about. Let your passion guide you!
RELEVANCE: A Big Question is relevant. Speak from your context. Remember that people will talk about what is important to them ... so don't overthink it.

FORMULAS TO ASK QUESTIONS TO STIR UP A GREAT CONVERSATION?

solecolombia — 2021-04-16 23:04:28 UTC

We are very happy to tell you that there is no formula for asking Big Questions. There are many ways to do it and many people who have created them from very different contexts. Each person will discover their own way of allowing their Big Questions to emerge.
Be brave, be humble, don't overthink it. Try a question that comes up in your mind. Let go. See where it takes you and surely another will emerge from there.

THE POWER OF A BIG QUESTION

solecolombia — 2021-04-16 23:04:28 UTC

"The question has to catch people where they are, to meet them where there is the most energy and relevance for them, and then use that energy to go deeper. Action will flow naturally from that energy."

Finn Voldtofte (Denmark)*

SUGGESTION 1 (By Sanjay)

solecolombia — 2021-04-16 23:04:28 UTC

Your Big Questions can invite others to imagine what is possible: what if ...? questions

You could start with the following wording and then add your topic of interest:

What would our community look like if…?
What would the world look like if ...?
What would the future look like if…?

For example, what would our community look like in 25 years if all 3rd graders could read to learn?

You could also explore trends, both good and bad, what you see in your community, country or world environment.

What will our community look like if 🤬 continues…?
What will the world look like if it continues ...?
What will the future look like if it continues…?

SUGGESTION 2 (By MJ)

solecolombia — 2021-04-16 23:04:28 UTC

Tus grandes preguntas pueden ser preguntas que siguen los siguientes cuestionamientos: SUGGESTION 2

Think about the now:

What are the big things you think we should be working on? In other words, if you could work on a challenge to improve your country, your community or the planet, what would it be?
Why is that important?
What do you want us, as a community, to do about it?

This could lead you to a question that could start with this wording:

How could we … ?

For example, how could we get women and men to earn the same? or How could we, in Colombia, have every citizen participate in a Great Conversation like this one?

SUGGESTION 3

solecolombia — 2021-04-16 23:04:28 UTC

Ignore the previous suggestions. Ask the question you want! Whatever comes out of your gut!

Perhaps what's important is to open the conversation about the Big Questions, share them, learn together and discover where they move us.

Share your Big Questions and suggestions on Loomio.

*

solecolombia — 2021-04-16 23:04:28 UTC

Eric E.Vogt, Juanita Brown, and David Isaacs (2003) THE ART OF POWERFUL QUESTIONS: Catalyzing Insight, Innovation, and Action.Whole Systems Associates. EE.UU.