2 min welcome/system check



“When we see the world, we see humans… when we see humans, we see stories.” — RT



4 – 0: Q&A In



4 – 1:
Pre-Test for PROMPT

PROMPT RightACTION Review

Instructions: Choose the letter of the most correct answer.

1. PROMPT is primarily used to:
A. Ask a series of rapid-fire questions
B. Move someone into immediate action
C. Guide RightACTION when the timing is appropriate
D. Assume the next step is already known

2. PROMPT differs from other forms of inquiry because it:
A. Encourages transaction before transformation
B. Assumes there is already a solution
C. Leverages interrogatory questions while avoiding premature action
D. Avoids using interrogatory questions entirely

3. A key aspect of PROMPT is:
A. Leading someone toward a specific conclusion
B. Asking, “there is…?” instead of assuming “is there…”
C. Skipping the need for self-awareness
D. Focusing only on efficiency and speed

4. PROMPT should be used:
A. Before understanding the person’s context
B. When the person is ready to transition into action
C. Immediately after asking a question
D. To replace all other forms of inquiry

5. A good example of a PROMPT-based question is:
A. “What is the solution?”
B. “Is there a solution?”
C. “Tell me exactly what to do.”
D. “Is there a reason why you aren’t acting yet?”

Answer Key to Pre-Test



View | Watch video on Pompt RightACTION

4 – 1-2:

PROMPT
Prompt RightACTION

Welcome!

In this session, we’re diving into PROMPT, one of the seven core skills in the Dynamic Inquiry System Skills (DISS).

PROMPT is not just about asking questions — it’s about leveraging inquiry in a way that guides RightACTION at the right time. This is key in helping interactions, decision-making, and leadership.

So, let’s explore how PROMPT works and why it’s such a powerful tool.



WHO: PROMPT is a transactional skill and is used by anyone helping when it’s time to take action.

It usually comes after the groundwork of inquiry, awareness, and pCc has been explored… unless someone asks “where’s the milk!”

Swiss psychologist Carl Jung was once asked, “What should we do next?” His response?

“The next right thing.”

That’s the essence of PROMPT — it helps cue the next step while making assumptions.

Examples:
• “What do you need to do now?”
•”When can you do it?”

Instead of pushing action too soon, PROMPT guides the moment when RightACTION is ready to emerge.



WHAT: PROMPT is an overused form of inquiry named in THE DISS as interrogatory. Questions like who, what, when, where, why, and how. Did I mention that it’s the most overused skill in inquiry!

Moving into transaction before realizing a transformational OPPOR+UNITY leaves “money on the table!”

The key in prompting?
• Assume there is… and move to transaction consciously!
For example:
• Instead of “Is there a solution?” → “What’s the solution?”
• Instead of “Is there someone responsible?” → “Who is responsible?”



WHEN:

PROMPT is used when a person is ready to move into action.

However, we often rush this step. Society values efficiency, speed, and productivity, which means we tend to jump straight to transaction before allowing transformation.

But timing is critical.
• If used too early, PROMPT forces an action before it may be necessary.
• If used too late, it misses the moment when action is resonant.

Examples:
• “What is your next thought (feeling)?”
• “Do you have what you need to move forward?”



WHERE:

PROMPT fits within any helping or leadership context — wherever decisions and RightACTION matter.

However, most of the time, we are unconsciously prompting without realizing it.

We assume that:
• There is a problem.
• There is a need for action.
• There is a solution.

Note: PROBE & PING asks:
• “Is there something to solve?
• “Is action needed right now?”

PROMPT “assumes!”

This subtle shift keeps the aperture of OPPOR+UNITY open rather than prematurely closing it.



WHY:

Why is PROMPT so important?

Because in our fast-moving world, transactional efficiency is rewarded. We are conditioned to get to the point, make a decision, and move on.

But not every moment is ready for action. In fact doing things is vastly different than doing right things!

Our world is full of activity but devoid of RightACTION!

By resisting unnecessary transactions, we allow for transformation to nudge its way into our humaning activities!

Examples:
• “Does this feel like the right next step?”
• “Is this the right time to decide?”

This keeps inquiry alive without forcing an outcome before it’s “appropriate.



HOW:

PROMPT works best when RightACTION surfaces — a moment of intentional space before prompting action.

CAVEAT: DON’T try to work as deep as you can! Transformation requires transaction with the new realization.

PROMPT RightACTION follows the structure of OPPOR+UNITY, where we look for:
• Openings
• Possibilities
• Plans
• Outcomes
• RightACTION

Instead of assuming action, we invite it to emerge through a guided solution-forming process.

Examples:
• “What’s possible?”
• “Where is the plan likely to take you?”

By framing PROMPT this way, we create space for action that is aligned, intentional, and RightACTION.



Closing:

So remember…

Less transaction.

More transformation.

Less rushing. More pacing.

When you PROMPT, you allow the right action to surface naturally — rather than forcing activity prematurely.

Now, as you go about your day, start noticing:
• When do you automatically assume action is needed?
• How often do you prompt too soon without allowing for exploration?

By shifting from “ is there…” to “there is…?”, you open the door to a whole new level of activity.

Thanks for listening — now go practice PROMPT and see where it leads you!



4 – 3: APPLICATION

PART 1 of 3
100823: 7+ min Total Time

[0:00:03]

Greeting:

PH: Hey, XXXX.

PBH: Hi there.



PING



PH: Anything going on today?

PBH: Yeah. I’m just trying to make a decision about my oldest.



PING



PBH: Is it important to you?

PBH: Very.



PROBE/PERMIT/PING?



PH: Anything you’d like to say about it?

PBH: We’re trying to move them from their current school to a new school. And we are concerned about the disruption that will cause. But their current school, there’s a situation that’s become untenable. And so, we need to do something, but we’re not sure that moving them at this point in the school year is a good decision.



PING INSIGHT/PROMPT (RightACTION)



PH: (Name), what’s important?

PBH: I mean I think the most important thing with them right now is their happiness and well-being. And that’s kind of what’s prompting the desire to move them.



PROMPT/PROBE/PING



PH: Who’s in the conversation?

PBH: Myself, my wife, and my oldest. Because they’re (old enough) and they really should have a say in how they should be educated in their education at this point, so we wanted them involved as well.

PING/PERMIT/PAUSE & BREATHE

Interviewer:                    So?



PART 2 of 3

PBH: So, we talked. They are not unhappy, but some of the things that faculty and the administration in their current school has done has really created a situation that puts us in a no-win position. If we ever needed to advocate for them, we wouldn’t be able to do that in an effective way because we’d lose. They have written policies around these issues that are really critical. And so, we’ve introduced the conversation. And I think they are open to it, but I think there’s also fear there because of the unknown. And so, it’s an issue of what you know versus what you don’t. And even the situation you’re in may be a bad situation, you’re still familiar as opposed to the risk of the unknown of moving into a new school.



PING (Insight)/PERTURB



PH: Is there anything that you’re afraid of?

PBH: I guess as in anything? The fear of making of a poor decision, poorly considered decision, and putting my child in a space where they are unhappy or their mental health and well-being is in danger.



[0:05:02]

PART 3 of 3



PING/PACE CHANGE



 PH: Have you thought of a next step?

PBH: We actually have. We have arranged for a school tour at the new school. Like you can do research online, so we’ve researched the various school options. But we’ve arranged for a school tour, that way they can get a sense of what the environment is like and that may be enough to kind of take a peek behind the curtain and see what it might be like to be there so that they can get a sense of what the day-to-day school life would be like. Maybe they can see something there that they feel they could fit in with better.



PING/PACE CHANGE



PH: (Name), is there a question that I need to ask you?

PBH: I think there is a question. But at this point, if it is… am I at a decision point? I mean we definitely are. Like it will be made probably within the next 72 hours.



PING/PROBE



PBH: Do you need some help with your plan?

PBH: I don’t think so. I think it’s just been helpful to help me talk through the mental process of it, to put things out and make sure that I’m going through the appropriate paces.



[Natural] Close



PH: Well, I sure wish you good luck.

PBH: Thank you.

[0:07:12] End of Audio



4 – 1-4: Q&A Out



Post-Test:
PROMPT RightACTION Review

Instructions: Choose the letter of the most correct answer.
1. PROMPT is best used when:
A. The conversation needs to speed up
B. There is a clear next step and the timing is right
C. A person is struggling with deep emotions
D. You want to persuade someone to take action

2. Why is it important to use “There is…?” instead of “Is there…” when prompting?
A. It helps avoid unnecessary assumptions
B. It speeds up the conversation
C. It eliminates self-reflection
D. It ensures an immediate decision is made

3. Which of the following best describes the relationship between PROMPT and OPPOR+UNITY?
A. PROMPT assumes there is an opportunity
B. PROMPT closes the aperture of opportunity
C. PROMPT helps identify if an opportunity exists before acting
D. PROMPT forces the person to act on any opportunity

4. What is a key risk of using PROMPT too soon?
A. It might slow down decision-making
B. It could close off deeper exploration
C. It allows too much self-awareness
D. It makes transactions take longer

5. A core principle of PROMPT is:
A. Using interrogatory language with timing and awareness
B. Jumping straight into a solution
C. Making decisions quickly, regardless of readiness
D. Avoiding self-knowledge in the process

Answer Key to Post-Test



4 – Reference



Answer Key to Pre-Test

1. C – Guide RightACTION when the timing is appropriate
2. C – Leverages interrogatory questions while avoiding premature action
3. B – Asking, “Is there…?” instead of assuming “There is…”
4. B – When the person is ready to transition from reflection to action
5. A. “What is the solution?”

Back to Pre-test



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Our team at Living &Loving Inquiry

Mike R Jay & Gary Gile
Founders @ The NEW LeadU

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