“I don’t like food that’s too carefully arranged; it makes me think that the chef is spending too much time arranging and not enough time cooking. If I wanted a picture, I’d buy a painting.”
– Andy Rooney, CBS Television Commentator and “60 Minutes” staple (1919-2011)
Andy’d often start his commentary with, “Did ya ever wonder…?”
Like most great thinkers, Andy could look at a situation, a person, a trend or a predicament, and see it differently. He’d often give five or more perspectives on whatever topic he was commenting upon, and very often wouldn’t place a stake in the ground on any of them.
Like most great teachers, he challenged us to think. To wonder.
I have a sneaking suspicion that Andy actually appreciated the “art” on the plate, and that anyone that ever heard him talk about it experienced restaurants differently because of his willingness to “wonder” out loud.
Most great teachers don’t “tell” us what we’re supposed to learn. Most great teachers use questions, not answers, as their primary tools.
Did you ever wonder how much more of a difference we could make if we’d ask more and tell less?
Mick Kirisits says
I like it, “ask more and tell less”!
Steve Heston says
You’re particularly good at that, Mick!
Jim Gordon says
The question is about “questions.” Here is what I have gleaned about this subject over the years:
For your information, let me ask you a few questions. Sam Goldwyn
“Can I pour you a beer Mr. Peterson?” “A little early isn’t it, Woody?” “For a beer?” “No, for stupid questions.”
People who ask “Can I ask you a question?” Didn’t really give me a choice, did ya there, buddy?
It’s frustrating when you know all the answers, but nobody bothers to ask you the questions.
MY PERSONAL FAVORITE: During my second month of nursing school, our professor gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student and had breezed through the questions, until I read the last one: “What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?” Surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the cleaning woman several times. She was tall, dark-haired and in her 50s, but how would I know her name? I handed in my paper, leaving the last question blank. Before class ended, one student asked if the last question would count toward our quiz grade. “Absolutely,” said the professor. “In your careers you will meet many people. All are significant. They deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile and say ‘Hello’.” I’ve never forgotten that lesson. I also learned her name was Dorothy.
If you have read this far, that’s probably enough. Any questions?
Gordo
Steve Heston says
Jim, love the feedback! Most of the folks I work with are learning that when they say, “Can I ask you a question?” that I’ll reply, “You already did.” It might drive them nuts, but I’m hoping to break them of a bad habit. Much better to say, “Help me understand…” or “I’m not sure I am with you, so I am hoping you’ll help me get there….” or something of that ilk. And I l-o-v-e LOVE the story about the cleaning woman at the nursing school. The lady that cleans our office building is named, believe it or not, “Custodia.” She is the warmest, most caring, and one of the hardest working people I know — and her greatest joy seems to come from greeting everyone, from C-level executives to entry-level employees, by name. I think she makes a difference — every day.