Reviewed by Doreen Chombu for Readers' Favorite

The Power of the Question by Michael S. Phillips is a self-help guide that aims to help readers get better at connecting with people by staying curious and actually listening in the moment. The author discusses the importance of emotional self-awareness and how different experiences and stresses can affect our perception of conversations and other people's energy. He talks about our tone shifts, how we phrase our sentences, and the intentions behind our words. The book discusses how communication is a team activity and how it is important to have mutual respect, boundaries, and to pause, listen, and find the right words to express our emotions and intentions in communication. It also covers the importance of repairing after a misunderstanding, listening, and building communication routines through practicing small, consistent habits. Finally, it encourages growth and reflection by keeping questions alive to foster bonds based on trust and gratitude, and making safe spaces to talk.

The Power of the Question is the first book in Michael S. Phillips’ book series that aims to help readers form connections and regulate their responses. What sets this book apart is how deep it goes. Phillips digs into the nitty-gritty, like how Boomers and Gen Z interact with each other in messages, or how the questions you ask can open doors or slam them shut. It’s not just theory, either. He fills the book with real-life situations, whether you’re talking with your kids, hashing things out with your partner, or dealing with difficult coworkers. If you ever feel like no one gets what you’re trying to say, this book helps you stand up and clear the air. And when someone else leaves you scratching your head, Phillips gives you the tools to ask the kinds of questions that get to the heart of what they really mean. Each chapter has helpful hints and tips, reflection prompts, practice sections, and key takeaways. The author also includes frameworks such as The Listening Ladder and the Assertiveness Spectrum that will help you construct questions that maintain the peace and not feel aggressive. This is an easy read with simple language and well-organized information presented in tables and graphs. This can be read as an educational book, used as a tool for personal growth, or read by a couple who wish to improve their connection. Overall, this is a resourceful and transforming guide.