The Power of a Question

There have been a number of articles recently on the importance of creating an environment that encourages curiosity, challenging norms and more generally asking "why?". Reading them reminded me of something I had written some time ago, and which I thought I would share to contribute to this important dialogue.

The Power of a Question

Questions are some of the most powerful tools we possess.?Be it in our professional lives or at home, the willingness and ability to ask a question opens the door to different views and perspectives.?

Too often, however, we are either asking the wrong questions or – worst still – not asking at all.?

In considering “what are the “right questions?”, consider what it is you are trying to accomplish.

• Are you looking for quick confirmation?
• Are you seeking clarity?
• Are you seeking buy-in or support?
• Are you seeking information and perspective?

These are just some examples of the broad types of needs you are addressing when you ask something of someone.?Importantly, being cognizant of those needs will help you frame your ask for maximum effect.?

In some cases – for example seeking quick confirmation – a closed question (something which is intended to generate a Yes or No response) may be just fine.?In other instances, you may be seeking more information or clarity, and in such cases an open question – one that leaves the space for others to fully-partake in the conversation?- is better placed.

As you consider your needs, however, do not lose sight of the person(s) to whom you are posing your question.?A closed question may suit you in terms of what you seek, but often people have more to say than we give them space to do so. Recognizing that questions are starting points for conversations is important, as conversations move in multiple directions.?Be mindful of that and be sure to leave space for others to participate – often we may get insight and additional richness that we were not expecting but from which we ultimately benefit.

What about the broader concern – not asking a question??My starting point is that there are no “stupid questions”; that everything is asked for a reason (again to confirm, inform, get clarity, etc.).?I think, however, we are sometimes reluctant to ask a question because we are concerned about what it reveals about what we don’t know.?

If that is the case, let’s challenge ourselves to reframe that thought.?A question reveals what we want to learn – whether it is about an issue, a situation, a person, whatever.?Questions reveal our inquisitiveness, which is an attribute at the heart of things like learning, continuous improvement, innovation and growth.?Questions show us to be taking an interest in one another and the challenges and opportunities we are faced with every day.?Questions are also about humility and the recognition that no one knows everything.

I listened to a speech about cooperation and the comment was made that: (a) no one is right all the time; and (b) a broken clock is right twice a day.?Each of us exists in between these two points – knowing we are not always right, and hoping we are right more than twice a day.?Knowing that, we seek one another out and we cooperate.?Questions are an important part of that process.

My view is that life is essentially one, long conversation.?People move in and out of it, the tone changes, and the subjects on which we converse are as varied as one can imagine.?Questions help us get the most out of the conversation.

Feedback welcome