Consider another view or update an opinion · S1.5

Ask one curious question

You notice you have reached a quick conclusion and want to explore another possibility.

Everyday practice

Try these steps

1. State your current interpretation in one sentence, such as ‘They are not interested.’
2. Write one question that could add information without assuming your interpretation is right.
3. Choose whether to ask the question, check another source of information, or leave the uncertainty unresolved for now.

An example

Instead of assuming the short reply means annoyance, I could ask, ‘Is now a good time to discuss this?’

Reflect

Did the new information change your view, or is your original interpretation still plausible?

Next time

Use curiosity where it is helpful; you do not need to agree with feedback or give up a boundary.