The Power of Questions

Asking questions is fundamental to communication and collaboration in a team setting. It is a powerful tool that can help team members gain clarity, resolve conflicts, and generate new ideas. However, not all questions are created equal. Asking the right question at the right time can make all the difference.?

The next time you watch the news or listen to a podcast, listen for the types of questions used in the interview. They are unique and thought-provoking and reveal something valuable to the listener. The best reporters will write and rehearse their questions multiple times as they know they will only have a few seconds to ask their subject.?

In the same way, leaders need to be able to ask powerful, thought-provoking questions to elicit the best responses and outcomes for their team. A good question will create a "head tilt moment," which occurs when you ask such a powerful question; the audience tilts their head to process what they just heard. They may even say, "Hmm," or "I never heard it framed like that before". That's the kind of question that can unleash new and creative solutions.?

1.?Leverage open-ended questions.?Open-ended questions encourage discussion and exploration. They require more than a simple yes or no answer and allow team members to express their thoughts and ideas more meaningfully. For example, try asking, "Do you like this idea?" instead of asking, "What do you think about this idea?"

2.?Avoid leading questions. Leading questions are questions that suggest a particular answer. They can be manipulative and can lead to biased answers. For example, instead of asking, "Don't you agree that this is the best approach?" try asking, "What are your thoughts on this approach?"

3.?Clarify your intent.?Before asking a question, be clear about your intent. Are you seeking information, trying to understand a point of view, or looking for feedback? Clarifying your intent can help you formulate a more relevant and practical question.

4.?Be specific. Vague questions can lead to clarity and productive discussions. Be clear about what you are asking. For example, instead of asking, "What do you think about the project?" try asking, "What do you think about the timeline for the project?"

5.?Avoid asking multiple questions at once.?Asking multiple questions at once can be overwhelming and confusing. It can also lead to incomplete or irrelevant answers. Stick to one question at a time and allow team members to respond before moving on to the next question.

6.?Use follow-up questions. Follow-up questions can help you gain deeper insights and encourage further discussion. They can also help you clarify any misunderstandings. For example, if a team member says they disagree with a particular approach, you can follow up with "What specifically do you disagree with?"

7.?Listen actively. Asking good questions is only half the battle. It helps to also listen actively to the answers. Pay attention to what is being said and ask clarifying questions if necessary. Active listening can help you build trust and foster better communication within your team.

8.?Encourage participation.?Encourage all team members to ask questions and share their thoughts and ideas. Create a safe and supportive environment where everyone feels comfortable expressing themselves.

9.?Practice, practice, practice. Asking good questions takes practice. The more you do it, the better you will become. Take the time to reflect on your questions and ask for feedback from your team members. Use their feedback to improve your questioning skills.

Strong leaders know how to use questions effectively to drive better outcomes. Work this week to be intentional with your questions to see how you can level up your team.?

I welcome your comments and your questions. If you don't have either, I have a question for you. What's the best question someone has asked you? Add it here in the comments. Thanks!