You're Asking The Wrong Questions
There is such a thing as "right" and "not right" question.
Have you ever felt like you’re asking your employees questions, but you already know the answers? That’s because you might not be asking the Right Questions. Asking the right questions is essential in making sure you’re getting the information you need, and it can help open up new and better ideas.
Not-Right Questions are those that you can answer with a simple yes or no. They don’t encourage thinking and creativity, and they don’t provide the necessary information you need to make informed decisions.
Here are some examples of Not-Right Questions you might be asking:
- Did you finish the task I assigned you?
- Are you happy with your work?
- Did you remember to email that client?
These questions don’t encourage employees to think about what they could have done better. Instead, ask Right Questions that can potentially improve operations and workflows. Examples include:
- What steps did you take to finish the assigned task?
- What aspect of your job gives you a sense of accomplishment?
- Can you walk me through your process for identifying key clients?
It’s not just about asking the question, but also listening to the answer. Take the time to actively listen to the employee’s response and use their input as a way to improve operations in the future.
Reflection Questions:
- Are you asking questions out of genuine curiosity or in order to confirm what you know/want?
- How have the Right Questions you’ve asked employees impacted the way they work and the overall productivity of your team?
- Are you comfortable asking Right Questions? If not, what steps can you take to change your approach?
