Phi Chi Theta Business Fraternity reposted this
Helping you grow through better software | Partner and Co-Founder at Michigan Software Labs | Forbes Technology and Fast Company Executive Board
You want to make a greater impact at work…here’s a 3 part framework for you to ask better questions. 1. Ask to learn. When I only ask questions with the goal of fixing a problem, I often miss out on the important details surrounding the context of the situation. Marilee Adams wrote a book called "Change Your Questions, Change Your Life." She encourages people to lean into “learner mode” rather than “judger mode”. This is because it is more expansive and focuses on possibilities and opportunities rather than focusing on blame. This was helpful for me. One simple way to practice this is to ask “How come?” questions rather than just “Why?” questions. If you start asking closed or leading questions like “Why have you done it like this?” people feel like it is an interrogation. 2. Ask: “So, what does this mean to you…?” When you ask this question it can help you get at what the problem is really about to them. Let’s say you are trying to get beyond the surface of understanding a complex business problem. Rather than asking a question more generically, ask it with them in mind. Use the word “you” and watch an unlock happen for them. 3. Create a personal question bank. I find myself referencing it whenever I’m trying to better understand what information I might be missing in an upcoming discussion. What I’ve found is that people like to answer questions in an increasing order of importance. They often like to answer questions which are lower stakes before getting into the difficult ones that take more thought. And always ending with lighter ones in the end. Think of asking questions like enjoying a meal. You might start out with a light salad or some bread as an appetizer. Then you have the main meal. At the end, you finish with dessert and coffee. This was a helpful analogy for me to have when thinking about which questions to ask and when. Curious if this resonates with you.. What are some questions you’ve found helpful in your work?