Change Your Questions Change Your Life fourth edition by Marilee Adams introduces readers to a concept called Question Thinking and shows readers how to apply the principles in their personal and professional lives. According to Adams this edition contains updated anecdotes, stories, and a new chapter on neuroscience. In addition, Adams has created Change Your Question Change Your Life Workbook that walks readers through the Question Thinking process. Readers can use the workbook in conjunction with the book or use it as a stand-alone tool. It isn’t necessary to read the book to use the workbook.

What I Liked About Change Your Questions Change Your Life

First, Adams used a fable format to explain Question Thinking. Ben, the main character, learns about Question Thinking to solve work problems. I always enjoy fables because I can follow one main story through the process. As Ben learns the techniques for success, so do the readers in a clear, easy to understand way.

In the workbook, Adams shows how Ben uses the concepts. This is one of the workbook’s strongest points. People using the workbook get a consistent story where the character learns how to move from Judger Mindset to Learner Mindset. And you’ll learn how to focus on better questions to get to better results.

Second, I could see how becoming aware of the way we think and the questions we ask ourselves and others can help us be better problem-solvers. Adams says, “The best way to solve a problem isn’t to look for the right answers, it’s to come up with better questions.”

Third, we either operate in a Judger Mindset where we react or a Learner Mindset where we choose. Everyone operates in both mindsets, but the goal is to learn how to switch to the Learner mindset when we find ourselves in Judger. I liked that Adams doesn’t expect people to always operate from the Learner mindset. She reminds readers that we’re all human and we use both mindsets.

Finally, in the workbook you’ll work through exercises using a real situation you’re facing.

What You’ll Like About Change Your Questions Change Your Life

Adams provides ample examples to help readers understand how to become aware of what mindset they’re operating in and how to learn to switch from Judger to Learner. Ben’s story is very interesting and shows how a person can assume things that aren’t true when operating from Judger.

Adams explains the process in detail and very well and other stories and anecdotes supplement Ben’s story to bring home the main points.

Finally, Adams also shows how your team can utilize Question Thinking. In the world of work, this can be the area where many people experience conflict.

As for the Workbook, if you like step-by-step guidance, this is a perfect tool for you. Adams provides exercises and space for reflection and since you can work at your own pace, you don’t have to rush through the learning process.

Adams asks that you pick a person at work you’re having difficulties with. But at the end she encourages readers to consider using the workbook for a non-work-related personal issue.

Just remember when using the workbook, you’ll get out of it what you put into it. And you can reuse the exercises in the book for future difficult situations.

Final Thoughts

I enjoyed Ben’s story and think the concepts in Change Your Questions Change Your Life are game changers. Obviously, learning the process takes practice, but perfection isn’t the goal — consistency is.

The workbook requires readers to dig deep. Some may feel it is a little touchy-feely. But change doesn’t come without introspection and this workbook will make you take a hard look at yourself. Adams says, “Intentional change is a sign of courage,” and that’s what your goal is as you utilize the workbook.

I received Advance Read Copies for both books and have expressed my personal opinions. You can find more reviews on my blog.