What's your favorite question to ask those you look up to?

That's a tough one CPT Christopher Coker ...maybe proof I haven't been purposeful enough in asking questions of people I look up to. I have asked plenty of people, "why did you do that" often enough though.

Why in the hell are you staring at me?

What would you have done differently?

What are your thoughts on....(fill in the blanks)? Was probably one of my first go to questions with mentors. You know you've gotten older when all your high school era male mentors have all died.

I do not limit my mentoring to one question. I believe that when talking to somebody I admire and look up to that it’s more important to establish a rapport and open dialogue.

There is a great example of this. The writer, COL Cole C. Kingseed (USA Rey), wrote multiple books about the 506th PIR and MAJ Dick Winters (USA Ret).

In his book Beyond Band Of Brothers the author, MAJ Winters, is assisted in his writing by COL Kingseed.

In the book Conversations With Dick Winters the author, COL Kingseed, opens the book by explaining that in the process of writing the first book they became deer friends and because of that friendship that facilitated their trust and rapport that led to the dialogue.... Multiple questions were asked that allows a deeper more substantial understanding.

In my humble opinion, one question is never enough.

I usually don’t ask questions so much as presenting hypothetical situations based on things that may occur or already have and the troubleshoot with the senior person. I learn better this way. I usually formulate a question or two during this process.

What's your best time management practice?

What fear held you back? What one thing inspired you to never give up? Which one won?

What breaks your heart? The responses are very telling on what drives people. I asked Dana Perino that question. Answer: "The suffering of the innocents."

What do you expect from me?