The questions you ask

What are the typical questions you ask your colleagues and direct reports? Are they closed ended, allowing for a simple yes/no answer? Are you ready for the meeting? Did you prepare for the client presentation?

The long-standing recommendation is to ask open ended questions, requiring the individual with whom you’re speaking to respond with information, not just a yes/no. Most often these questions start with “What” or “How”. What have you done to prepare for the meeting? How well prepared are you for the client meeting tomorrow??

I also like one of the recommendations David Marquet makes in his book “Leadership is Language”, rather than a closed ended or open-ended question, what about asking “on a scale of 1-10 how prepared are you for the presentation? Let’s assume your direct report responds, “seven.” What is your next comment or question?

Mine reply most often is “Ok, what prevents it from being a ten?” What can we do to get there?

This type of questioning gives me more information and allows my colleague to know I care and am available to help or assist if necessary.

My direct experience using this technique has been quite beneficial.

I would love to know how it works for you.

Please drop me a line and we can talk about your experiences.