For years, I had known in my gut that asking better questions was the secret to unlocking better answers, but I had struggled to find any good resources on the topic. I’d read books with promising titles like Good Leaders Ask Great Questions, but the books didn’t provide enough tactical advice to be helpful.
Over the past two years, I’ve been taking notes on what I’ve observed from James and other leaders who ask the right question at the right time. These 11 tips have helped me immensely, and I’m sure they’ll help you as well.
1. Ask one question at a time.
One of my colleagues tends to spray questions like a shotgun blast. He’ll rattle off four questions at once and leave everyone wondering what they’re supposed to answer: The first question? The last one? The one they’re most comfortable answering? All of them, if they can remember the full list?
Exercise discipline with your questions. Ask one question at a time, then move on to the next question. Doing so will lead to more robust discussion, fewer blank stares, and a more engaged decision-making process.
2. Opt for shorter questions.
“You don’t need a runway of context, justification, and general flim-flam to be curious. It’s not really about you. Save everyone the time, and just ask the question.” -Michael Bungay Stanier
Asking long questions is often as bad as asking multiple questions. Long questions confuse others. People get lost in the rambling, rollicking nature of long questions, which makes it more difficult for them to respond with useful information.
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