Journal Reflections Appendix One: Wisdom in 25 Reflective Quiz Questions

"Grounded Questions" Mark Strom
25 statements to prompt reflection, conversation and change
You might like to work them through individually and as a team:
How true is each statement?

rarely... too little... somewhat... fairly often... almost always

1. You seek counsel from people who are wise more than from those you want to impress.
2. You search for insight more than for the latest hot tip.
3. You discern when to lead and when to follow.
4. You discern language by which colleagues rob themselves of power and dignity.
5. You foster language that strengthens and dignifies colleagues.
6. You sustain reasonable hope in the face of unreasonable despair.
7. You discern when management processes impede creativity and relationship.
8. You present ideas using strong questions, engaging stories, and real dialogue.
9. You reanimate flagging conversations and projects with clear, strong questions.
10. You keep the core conversations vibrant, coherent and outward-focused.
11. You sustain commitment to people when the core conversation breaks down.
12. You honour the stories that have shaped your team and organisation.
13. You approach vision and strategy with clear, strong questions.
14. You frame vision in terms of a richly imagined and grounded story.
15. You frame strategy in terms of a compelling argument for that story.
16. You influence for good via informal but intentional networks.
17. You break cynicism with acts of dignity and kindness.
18. You create space for others to shine.
19. You give credit where credit is due.
20. You foster design thinking by encouraging brilliance.
21. You seek the ‘brilliance in the room’ before ‘best practice elsewhere’.
22. You treat people with dignity and kindness no matter their position or context.
23. You sustain integrity and will in the face of unjust opposition and passive aggression.
24. You value character and depth over personality and cleverness.
25. You name and face your own need to change.