One Question

What's "One Question: Life-Changing Answers from Today's Leading Voices" about?

• Concept Overview: The book is a collection of interviews conducted by Ken Coleman with influential figures across various fields. Each interview is centered around a single, thought-provoking question.
• Purpose: It aims to provide readers with insights and wisdom from successful individuals, offering guidance on personal and professional growth.
• Structure: The book is divided into sections focusing on different themes such as succeeding, surviving, and sustaining, each containing interviews with experts in those areas.
• Author's Approach: Ken Coleman uses his interviewing skills to extract meaningful answers that can inspire and challenge readers to think deeply about their own lives.

Why should I read "One Question: Life-Changing Answers from Today's Leading Voices"?

• Diverse Perspectives: The book features a wide range of voices, from business leaders to authors and athletes, providing a rich tapestry of insights.
• Practical Wisdom: Each interview offers actionable advice and life lessons that readers can apply to their own situations.
• Inspiration: The stories and experiences shared by the interviewees can motivate readers to pursue their dreams and overcome challenges.
• Unique Format: The focus on one key question per interview allows for deep exploration of important topics without overwhelming the reader.

What are the key takeaways of "One Question: Life-Changing Answers from Today's Leading Voices"?

• Importance of Questions: Asking the right questions can lead to transformative answers and personal growth.
• Learning from Failure: Many interviewees emphasize the value of learning from setbacks and using them as stepping stones to success.
• Authenticity and Passion: Staying true to oneself and pursuing passions are recurring themes that contribute to fulfillment and success.
• Role of Relationships: Building strong, authentic relationships is highlighted as crucial for both personal and professional success.

What are the best quotes from "One Question: Life-Changing Answers from Today's Leading Voices" and what do they mean?

• "You don’t take donkeys to the Kentucky Derby." - Pat Summitt's father; emphasizes the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people to achieve success.
• "Success without fulfillment is failure." - Tony Robbins; highlights that true success is not just about achievements but also about personal satisfaction and growth.
• "A good plan violently executed today is better than a perfect plan executed next week." - General Patton, quoted by Patrick Lencioni; underscores the value of decisiveness and action over perfection.
• "Leadership is not about love—it is love." - Margie Blanchard; suggests that effective leadership is rooted in genuine care and connection with others.

How does Ken Coleman structure the interviews in "One Question"?

• Single Question Focus: Each interview revolves around one carefully crafted question, allowing for in-depth exploration of the topic.
• Thematic Organization: The book is divided into sections like succeeding, surviving, and sustaining, grouping interviews by overarching themes.
• Diverse Voices: Coleman includes a variety of perspectives from different fields, ensuring a broad range of insights and advice.
• Engaging Format: The interviews are presented in a conversational style, making them accessible and engaging for readers.

What advice does John Maxwell give about finding one's niche in "One Question"?

• Passions and Strengths: Maxwell advises identifying what you are passionate about and what you are good at, and then combining the two to find your niche.
• Avoiding Misalignment: He warns against pursuing something you are passionate about but not skilled in, or something you are skilled in but not passionate about.
• Courage to Change: Maxwell encourages people to have the courage to quit what they are doing if it doesn't align with their niche and to pursue what truly fits them.
• Long-term Fulfillment: Finding and operating within your niche leads to long-term satisfaction and success, as it aligns with your true self.

How does Seth Godin suggest recognizing and seizing opportunities in "One Question"?

• Fear as a Compass: Godin explains that fear often accompanies opportunity, and recognizing this can help you identify potential opportunities.
• Embrace Change: He emphasizes the importance of being open to change and not letting fear of the unknown paralyze you.
• Risk and Reward: Godin suggests that seeking a path without risk is unrealistic; instead, focus on finding the best path, even if it involves risk.
• Awareness and Action: Being aware of opportunities is not enough; you must also be willing to take action and seize them when they arise.

What does T.D. Jakes say about casting vision in "One Question"?

• Innovative Thinking: Jakes stresses the importance of being innovative and not accepting the status quo when casting a vision.
• Trailblazing Leadership: Visionary leaders are those who go where others have not gone and blaze new trails.
• Courage to Challenge: He highlights the need for courage to challenge existing norms and to pursue what others might consider impossible.
• Inspiring Others: A strong vision can inspire others to join in the journey and work towards a common goal.

How does Ken Blanchard define leading with love in "One Question"?

• Building Relationships: Blanchard emphasizes the importance of building quality relationships with employees and customers.
• Reciprocal Trust: He believes that love, trust, and caring between leadership and employees lead to organizational success.
• Regular Engagement: Blanchard suggests regular one-on-one meetings with direct reports to foster genuine relationships and engagement.
• Love as Leadership: He concludes that leadership is not just about love; it is love, encompassing mission, people, and self-awareness.

What insights does Tony Robbins provide on achieving fulfillment in "One Question"?

• Breakthrough Moments: Robbins talks about the importance of breakthroughs where the impossible becomes possible.
• Strategy, Story, State: He identifies three areas for breakthroughs: having the right strategy, an empowering story, and a positive state of mind.
• Changing Your State: Robbins suggests that changing your physical state can influence your mental state and lead to better outcomes.
• Sustained Success: Achieving fulfillment involves not just reaching goals but also maintaining a positive and empowered mindset.

How does Ken Coleman use his interviewing skills in "One Question"?

• Crafting Questions: Coleman carefully crafts each question to elicit deep and meaningful responses from his interviewees.
• Engaging Style: His conversational style makes the interviews engaging and accessible to readers.
• Diverse Perspectives: By including a wide range of voices, Coleman ensures a rich diversity of insights and advice.
• Focus on Impact: Each interview is designed to provide actionable wisdom that readers can apply to their own lives.

What role does feedback play in Jack Dorsey's process as discussed in "One Question"?

• Early Feedback: Dorsey emphasizes the importance of seeking feedback early in the process of developing an idea.
• Third-party Perspective: He believes that getting an outside perspective helps refine ideas and improve them.
• Inspiration from Feedback: Dorsey views feedback as a source of inspiration that can drive a product forward.
• Avoiding Isolation: He warns against working in a vacuum and stresses the value of diverse opinions in the innovation process.