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Forget being clever - whether you are in business or looking for a job, make sure you know the answers to the dumb questions if you wish to prosper!
Time and time again interviewees fail to answer the following “Dumb questions” –
Tell me about yourself? (Tell me why you are suitable for the job?)
Why do you want the job?
In business, management consultant Peter Drucker famous questions “What business are you in” and “who are your customers” were also the source of much discomfort for many leaders.
It does appear that a future still exists for dumb questions!
In brainstorming sessions, oftentimes it is the addition of a wacky idea that opens up the minds of the participants which leads to the next great idea.
In rapport , asking dumb questions is an art in itself. Napoloen a past master at the art was famous for entering meetings clueless, posing many dumb questions and leaving with the collective wisdom of the group.
On many occasions those who pose the dumb question are looked down upon by “the more informed” The later feels less threatened by their presence and are thus easier to persuade by the dummies!
So the message is clear tame the ego – play dumb today!
Posted by Kevin Kelly at
June 27, 2005 10:01 AM