Parents and teachers often want to know, “How can I get my children/students to try harder?” The answer is simple: ask them. The best question to ask is: “Can you do better?”
This question will prompt students to increase their effort and improve their quality of work.
Asked by parents, this question will prompt their children to reflect on their behavior.
But it goes way beyond the classroom and home front. You can use this question in everyday interactions too.
For example, asked by you at a hotel registration desk may often result in an upgraded room. The same works with rental car agencies and people working on commission.
And don’t forget the most important person to ask: YOU!
“Can you do better?”