So how are your question-asking skills?
Why Asking Questions Is Important
Your effectiveness as a leader is strengthened when you know how and what to ask. Here’s why:
- It clarifies challenges. Chances are you and your team won’t be able to solve a problem with the first idea that comes up. Asking the right questions can bring a deeper understanding of the issue, which leads to the best solution.
- You’re modeling effective questioning strategies. When you know what to ask, you’re being an example for those you lead. This modeling increases their potential. The right question can produce an “aha moment” that results in fresh, new ideas.
- You’ll always be learning. When you’re asking a question, you’re not rushing to find an answer. You’re able to remain open-minded and really listen to the input of your team.
How to Ask Good Questions
There’s a difference between asking a co-worker how their weekend was and asking one of the employees you manage what they think about a persistent problem your company is facing. The former certainly has value in building relationships, but the latter is what will result in innovation and positive change for the business.
Check out these tips for asking good questions:
Stay curious. A quick answer isn’t always the best answer. When you’re doing all the talking, you aren’t doing any of the listening. Be slow to offer advice and cautious about taking action. True curiosity is the root of effective questioning. It’s okay to take the time to ask enough questions.
Ask open-ended questions. Words like “what,” “how” and “why” encourage more dialogue. When the conversation can flow freely, more ideas are shared and a solution is more likely to arise. It’s also a good idea to not only ask about specific events, but also ask how it made your employees feel. This type of communication between you and those you manage also improves your leadership skills.
Don’t be afraid to dig deeper. “No news is good news” is not an adequate state of mind for a good leader. Don’t assume that everything is going well just because you haven’t heard anything to the contrary. Don’t give your employees the impression that the only news they should share is positive. You want them to feel that they can come to you for any reason, especially with problems, confident that a productive conversation will follow.
Bottom Line
The art of asking good questions is a skill that can be honed and developed. As you continue to ask questions that spark meaningful conversations with your team members or colleagues, you’ll get better at it.
When a team is working together and each individual feels like they are free to contribute to the conversation, trust is built and creativity flourishes. Problems are resolved with the best solutions and the company as a whole thrives. This is particularly important when managing any sort of major change. Be ready for some unexpected answers.
To learn how good questions and the art of improvisation can help improve collaboration, creativity, and your ability to manage change, join me for a keynote session at ATD’s 2017 Asia Pacific Conference.
Editor's Note: This post is adapted from the ImprovEdge blog.
