I wrote “Let Us Inquire Together” over 20 years ago; it’s at the end of my first book, The Art of the Question. Looking at that writing today, I find it just as relevant as ever, maybe even more so.

I passionately believe that when we genuinely inquire together, we invoke the best in us—the best listening, the best empathy, the best respect, the best thinking, the best creativity and collaboration—and what can come out of that will be bigger and better than what any of us could have done alone. That’s the kind of inquiry that I call “Learner inquiry” and with it we create “Learner worlds” (as distinct from “Judger worlds” where the need for certainty and being right prevails and usually leads to criticism and conflict).

The differences between a Learner world and a Judger world are apparent when looking at the Choice Map.

Helping people create Learner worlds filled with possibility is at the heart of everything we do at Inquiry Institute. Whether I’m coaching, consulting, giving workshops, or speaking, I hope this intention shines through. I thank you for being in our lives and being part of our Learner Community.

 Let Us Inquire Together

“In a world increasingly overwhelmed with information, we can ask
Learner-centered, solution-seeking questions about what to do with
all we know. As Learners we can join in creating an age of inquiry,
rather than merely living in an age of information. Among our first
questions would be: What will it take to step together out of the
win-lose paradigm and into a win-win one? How can we accept
and manage our individual and collective Judger tendencies? How
can we be both loving and practical in creating a win-win world? and
How can we remember to keep asking questions such as these?

“Learner answers would be rooted in sensing the webs of connections
that have always existed among individuals, families, society, and our
physical world. I believe we share an intuitive knowing that any
viable—even desirable—future, must pay homage to this knowledge
and build upon it. As Learners we can join as participants in a living
dialogue about a win-win future. This inquiry positions us outside the
limitations of the Judger’s paradigm, and creates a spaciousness
where these question-centered methodologies can make the em-
powering difference. Taking advantage of the question-driven nature
of choice and responsibility, we can dedicate ourselves to speak,
listen, and act together in enlivening the spirit and expression of
genuine community.”

Marilee Goldberg Adams, Ph.D.
The Art of the Question

Suggestions

I welcome your sharing “Let Us Inquire Together” with others in your life, at home and at work. This writing could be the basis of conversations with teams or groups as well as with your friends and family.

We love to hear from you.  It was great seeing some of you on our inaugural Facebook Live and that we will do more and welcome your input on topics and questions for future broadcasts.

In case you missed this (or now have an opening in your schedule) next week you have the opportunity to work with me in a small group environment. We meet in Baltimore at the beautiful Mt. Washington Conference Center. I’d love to have you join me. If you have any questions, call us at 800-250-7823
In the spirit of inquiry!
Marilee