How it works:
During a variety of sessions it helps to have some potent questions that can inspire participants to engage in a deeper level of conversation – especially getting them past the question “what do you do?”
The following questions are provided from Impact Journeys to help provoke deeper dialogue, especially around impact investing.
- Where is your favorite place to live, and why is it so special to you?
- What person do you admire greatly, and what characteristics make this person so special?
- What are the key elements that hold your family together?
- If you could shape the opinion of a group of influential people, what would you say and to whom?
- If you could be doing anything you want at this time next year, what would it be?
- Where and when have you experienced the powerful effect of kindness and generosity?
- What lessons emerge for you from the story of your family’s creation of wealth?
- If you knew you would not fail, what would you do?
- When was the last time you did something for the first time, and what did you do?
- Who is your most unusual friend, and what makes this relationship special to you?
- How would you describe how decisions are made in your family?
- How do generational differences show up in your family dynamics?
- Who or what is the biggest obstacle preventing you from living a more meaningful and impactful life?
- If you knew you would not be judged, what would you change about your life?
- When did you bring the best version of yourself to a situation, and what allowed you to do this?
- Which family tradition do you value the most, and why?
- What life experiences moved you to take action?
- What person has most positively shaped your life, and how did they do it?
- When have you seen a small action cause a much bigger positive impact than expected?
- How is conflict handled by your family, and what role do you play?
Suggestions for Optimal Effectiveness:
- Impact Journeys has created some beautiful cards with these questions and wonderful graphic images. You can contact Scott Rehmus (scott@impactjourneys.com) if you would like to learn more.
- Introducing one question for everyone to explore combined with another format like Trio Storytelling or Think Pair Square can be really powerful.
- You can also use a series of questions or cards to help prompt dialog during networking sessions or meal times.
Time Required:
- Generally, give 3-5 minutes per person to answer the question.
Materials Required:
- Plan to show the question visually in addition to doing so verbally. You can use a ppt slide or flipchart to show the question.
Chief benefit is:
- All participants are able to share their perspective and you get a chance to go deeper with questions that provoke some deeper reflection.