“Humble Inquiry” by Edgar H. Schein offers a profound exploration of the art of asking questions and building trust, providing invaluable insights for project managers seeking to enhance communication, collaboration, and build project team trust.

This book emphasizes the importance of humility, curiosity, and empathy in fostering open dialogue and creating a culture of trust and psychological safety.

In this review, we’ll delve into how the principles outlined in “Humble Inquiry” can be applied to project management, emphasizing the significance of humble inquiry in leading successful projects.

Understanding Humble Inquiry

The Power of Asking Questions

Schein emphasizes the transformative power of asking questions as a means of building relationships, fostering collaboration, and gaining valuable insights.

Humble inquiry involves asking questions with genuine curiosity and a willingness to learn from others.

Relevance to Project Management and Project Team Trust

For project managers, humble inquiry is essential for establishing rapport, understanding team dynamics, and uncovering hidden challenges and opportunities.

By cultivating humble inquiry skills, project managers can create a culture of openness, trust, and psychological safety within their project teams.

Applying Principles of Humble Inquiry to Project Management

Building Rapport and Trust

Humble inquiry is the foundation of building rapport and trust within project teams. Project managers should approach interactions with humility and genuine curiosity, seeking to understand the perspectives and experiences of team members and stakeholders.

Fostering Open Dialogue

Humble inquiry fosters open dialogue and encourages team members to share their ideas, concerns, and feedback openly.

Project managers should create opportunities for dialogue and collaboration, actively listening to team members’ insights and perspectives.

Empowering Team Members

Humble inquiry empowers team members to voice their opinions, contribute their expertise, and take ownership of their work.

Project managers should create a supportive environment where team members feel valued, respected, and encouraged to share their thoughts and ideas.

Strategies for Practicing Humble Inquiry in Project Management

Active Listening

Active listening is a key component of humble inquiry, involving paying full attention to what others are saying without judgment or interruption.

Project managers should practice active listening, focusing on understanding and empathizing with the speaker’s perspective.

Asking Open-Ended Questions

Open-ended questions encourage reflection and deeper conversation, allowing team members to express their thoughts and feelings more fully.

Project managers should ask open-ended questions that invite dialogue and exploration, rather than seeking specific answers or solutions.

Being Curious and Open-Minded

Curiosity is essential for practicing humble inquiry, as it involves a genuine interest in learning from others and exploring new ideas. Project managers should cultivate curiosity and open-mindedness, approaching every interaction with a sense of wonder and discovery.

Embracing Vulnerability

Vulnerability is a natural part of practicing humble inquiry, as it involves admitting uncertainty and acknowledging one’s own limitations.

Project managers should be willing to show vulnerability and authenticity, fostering a culture of openness and trust within their project teams.

Key Takeaways for Project Managers

Cultivating Humble Inquiry: Practice asking questions with humility and genuine curiosity, fostering open dialogue and trust within project teams.
Building Rapport and Trust: Approach interactions with empathy and openness, creating a supportive environment where team members feel valued and respected.
Empowering Team Members: Encourage team members to voice their opinions, contribute their expertise, and take ownership of their work.

Summary of “Humble Inquiry”

“Humble Inquiry” by Edgar H. Schein offers practical insights and strategies for fostering open dialogue, building trust, and creating a culture of psychological safety within organizations.

By embracing the art of humble inquiry, project managers can enhance communication, collaboration, and leadership effectiveness within their project teams.

Practical Reasons to Read

Enhancing Communication: Learn practical strategies for fostering open dialogue and building trust within project teams.
Fostering Collaboration: Cultivate empathy, curiosity, and openness to create a culture of collaboration and innovation.
Building Trust: Practice humble inquiry to build rapport and trust with team members and stakeholders.

Who Will Love the Book

– Project managers seeking practical strategies for enhancing communication, collaboration, and leadership within their project teams.

– Leaders aiming to create a culture of psychological safety, openness, and trust within their organizations.

– Professionals interested in interpersonal communication, emotional intelligence, and organizational culture.

Who May Not Enjoy the Book

– Readers uninterested in psychology or personal development.

– Those looking for a purely technical approach to project management without a focus on soft skills or interpersonal dynamics.

Conclusion

For project managers striving to enhance communication, build trust, and create a culture of psychological safety within their project teams, “Humble Inquiry” by Edgar H. Schein is a must-read.

Gain practical insights and strategies for fostering open dialogue, cultivating empathy, leading with humility and curiosity and building project team trust.