The Power of Asking "What Was Most Useful for You?"

In today’s hustle culture, we’re experts at ticking off tasks but often skip a crucial step: reflection.

We finish a project, attend a meeting, or wrap up a workshop, then rush to the next challenge.

But what if one simple question could help us grow faster, work smarter, and avoid repeating mistakes?

Enter: “What was most useful for you?”—a gateway to deeper learning and lasting improvement.

Why This Question Matters: Beyond Surface-Level Learning

This question isn’t just polite small talk.

It’s a catalyst for double-loop learning, a concept that pushes us beyond fixing errors (single-loop learning) to questioning the why behind our actions.

• Single-loop example: After a flawed presentation, you practice slides more.
• Double-loop example: You ask, “Why did the audience disengage? Did I misjudge their needs? How can I redesign my approach?”

By digging into assumptions and processes, we uncover root causes and transform outcomes.

How to Create Space for Reflection

Reflection doesn’t happen by accident.

Build it into your routine with these strategies:

1. Debriefs with Purpose: After projects, host a 15-minute team huddle. Ask, “What worked? What didn’t? What surprised us?”
2. Journaling: Spend 5 minutes daily jotting insights. Try: “Today’s most useful moment was…”
3. Ask Directly: End meetings or mentoring sessions with “What was most useful here?” to spark candid feedback.
4. Foster Curiosity: Reward questions over quick fixes. Encourage teams to challenge norms like, “Why do we do it this way?”

Reflection Is a Muscle—Strengthen It

Like physical exercise, reflection gets easier with practice.

Regular “mental workouts”:

• Sharpen decision-making by spotting patterns.
• Turn fragmented experiences into actionable wisdom.
• Build resilience by learning from setbacks, not just celebrating wins.

Pro tip: Start small. Reflect weekly, then daily. Even 2 minutes counts (you will be surprised).

The OBT Rule: One Big Takeaway to Drive Change

Avoid overwhelm by focusing on your One Big Thing (OBT)—the single insight with the highest impact.

• Example: A marketing team’s OBT after a campaign: “Our audience engages most with video content.” They pivot resources to video, boosting ROI by 30%.

OBT turns reflection into action.

Ask: “If I could only apply one lesson, what would it be?”

Your Invitation to Learn Better, Not Harder
“What was most useful for you?” is more than a question—it’s a mindset.

By pausing to reflect, we transform everyday tasks into stepping stones for growth.

Whether you’re refining a process, leading a team, or pursuing personal goals, this simple inquiry can unlock profound insights.

Keep Crushing!
- Sales Guy