AtQ – What do you know?

Exploring Powerful Questions

In this week’s Talking Note we explored a definition of knowledge. In particular we looked at knowledge as a thing that gives us confidence towards action. In processes of transformation, this connection between knowledge and action can be a key to unlocking movement toward the vision we are pursuing. Prior to any endeavor, taking inventory of our own knowledge can secure a foundation upon which sustained action can be taken. In the same light, we can use the same inventory taking question to shake up some assumptions to give space for new things. With that in mind, we start with this question:

What do you know?

This question is broad and all-encompassing on purpose. We want to mine everything related to the situation involved. Our wants and desires, knowledge of the people involved, and organizations, for example, are all important. Put it all down.

We can drill this question down even further – a practice that can open up some blind spots – by using the four areas of potential knowledge that I shared in this note. We can ask what we know about each of these areas. If you are more visually inclined, try using this image may shake loose some answers: