Humble Inquiry: Getting The Art Started

Introduction

‘Humble Inquiry’ is the fine art of drawing someone out, of asking questions you don’t know the answer to, of building a relationship based on curiosity and interest in the other person. (E.H. Schein)

Humble Inquiry: Getting The Art Started Levels

Level	Description	Time
1. Introduction, Humble Inquiry	Understand what is meant by ‘HI’ and why it’s essential that leaders practice the art.	1 hour
2. Helpful things to know before starting	Before practice starts 8 ‘knowledge points’ are introduced plus an essential relationships concept.	1 hour
3. Conscious awareness (via a meta-pattern)	‘’You’ll pick up a meta-pattern quicker if you’re consciously aware …”. (Mark Rosenthal). Our 4-step practice pattern will get you started.	45 minutes
4. Plan to humbly inquire	Learn to slow down! Give considerable thought, before doing anything. Practice Steps 1 and 2.	1 hour
5. Inquire humbly, consider outcome	Practice Step 3 and part of Step 4 - inquire humbly then consider what happened. Control the process not the content. (EH Schein)	1 hour
6. Reflect and adjust	Finish practice. The rest of Step 4 - make best use of increased trust and what you now know.	30 minutes
7. Look back, then commit	Commit to adjustments in your approach as a Leader which gives lasting value from doing this Quest.	45 minutes
Estimate of your total time investment		6 hours

Humble Inquiry: Getting The Art Started Skills

Set yourself a goal – aim to be a ‘Level 2 boss’.
Be introduced to 8 knowledge points – helpful things to know before starting your own practice.
A 4-step pattern to guide you in your early practice.
(Both of the above provided to you on an e-pocket card.)
Draw parallels from and be guided by real examples of inquiring humbly.

To help you get started, be introduced to 8 knowledge points and a 4-step PDCA based practice pattern (all extracted from the Humble Inquiry books). Alongside, learn from a real illustration of Humble Inquiry.