How to Ask a Better Question
Posted by Jess Saba on Wed, Jun 24, 2009 @ 04:41 PM
Dynamic Asking
The Problem
It is easy to ask superficial questions that require little thought and encourage equally hasty responses. Asking the right questions is the precusor to interesting and productive conversations. Since effective conversations are based around articulation and understanding, it is important to think through a situation and develop critical responses.
The ability to ask the right questions demonstrates that the speaker is thoughtfully considering the situation and is carefully looking for ways to solve a problem.
Room for Improvement:
Managers, employees and customers alike must learn to frame questions which elicit the most productive responses.
Additionally, asking a question instead of replying with an immediate response allows for the opportunity to think through a situation.
Questions allow a conversation to naturally diverge while offered solutions guide the conversation to an anticipated result which stifles creativity and the exploration of new solutions.
Once you have started to think about asking better questions let the recipient know that you value their answers and follow up questions. Make sure that others feel comfortable asking questions in return and knowing their answers will be given the proper consideration.
Effective communication in the workplace is an essential art which can strengthen relationships and increase employee morale.
The Harvard Business Review recently published an article by Judith Ross titled, "How to Ask Better Questions" which outlines seven ways in which asking the right questions creates value.
The Harvard Business Review states that "the most effective and empowering questions create value in one or more of the following ways:
1. They create clarity: ‘ Can you explain more about this situation'
2. They construct better working relations: Instead of ‘Did you make your sales goal?' ask, "How have sales been going?'
3. They help people think analytically and critically: ‘What are the consequences of going this route?'
4. They inspire people to reflect and see things in fresh, unpredictable ways: ‘Why did this work?'
5. They encourage breakthrough thinking: ‘Can that be done in any other way?'
6. They challenge assumptions: ‘What do you think you will lose if you start sharing responsibility for the implementation process?'
7. They create ownership of solutions: ‘Based on your experience, what do you suggest we do here?'"
Asking more thoughtful questions enhances a person's ability to become a better thinker. Figuring out what and how to ask questions is no easy task. It takes forming the question in your mind before verbalizing it.
The key is to figure out what problem needs to be solved, how to concisely frame the topic and finally ask a question that will elicit a thoughtful response.
Then listen.
Find the article here : http://blogs.harvardbusiness.org/hmu/2009/05/real-leaders-ask.php?cm_re=homepage-061609-_-body-left-r1-_-