Looking for answers to questions and having a hard time getting them? It could be due to how you are asking the questions or not asking the right questions.
Many times we ask questions off the top of our head (without much thought put into them) hoping that will lead to the answers we are looking for. If it does not we get frustrated and so does the person we are questioning. This is especially true at work.
Asking the right question will lead to getting a better answer. The trick is to take the time in developing the right question to ask that will prompt the person to give you the right information you are seeking. Unless you are asking for a fairly simple answer it may take several questions in the form of a conversation to get all of the information you want or need. Here are a few tips that might make the process easier.
1. Put thought into how you word your questions. Are they clear and concise?
2. Be open in your conversation, do not make the person guess or play 100 questions with you. tell them what it is you are trying to find out from them, unless they are a mind reader they will appreciate it.
3. Engage with the person whom you are speaking. Actively listen to what they are saying, and you should be if you are trying to get information or answers from them.
4. Ask prompting questions to let them know you want further information like “and then what happened?” and “how did that make you feel?”. This form of questioning once you are into the conversation shows you are interested and curious and want to hear more from them.
Taking the time to ask better questions creates opportunity for both parties involved to have a better encounter. Also taking the time to ask clearer questions may change your opinion or focus on whatever you were asking questions about in the first place.
Time is one of our most valuable assets and when you take the time to ask quality questions you are investing in getting the answers you need. Remember it is all in how you ask it.
08/08/14
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