How to know you are asking the right questions at work? Tips!
Raise your hands if you’ve heard the saying, questions are meant to be asked? Many people find asking questions difficult, while others think being asked particular questions, especially if the answer is obvious -annoying. Some find specific questions invasive. Whatever our thoughts or feelings towards questions, they are here to stay as they form a fundamental part of our lives- especially our working ones.
Questions vastly improve conversational outcomes. Asking the right questions is an essential skill for effective communication as those who ask better questions simply receive better answers. This publication explores the different types of questions and the situations in which they are most effective.
The primary function of a question is to gain information. The reason we network with others is pretty simple- we want to know more about the individual, their ideas, their feelings, and their thought process, to name a few. As a result, when meeting someone at a networking event or at work, we aim to ask the who, what, when, where, and why to learn more about them or what they do. The person asking this question has a vital interest in obtaining this information since it will have an impact on their lives.
In addition to that, here are some pointers on why we ask questions:
- For Control
By asking questions, assertive people can control the conversation, as they can determine both the topic and the direction it will take. By controlling the conversation, they can get the information they need.
2. Because of Interest
As well as gaining information, questions can be used to show interest. By asking questions about a person, especially a new acquaintance, you can create a rapport that might prove useful in the future.
3. To gain Clarification
To avoid misunderstandings, it is crucial to ask questions to clarify a situation. I think it’s better to check your understanding if you’re not certain about something than sit in silence and be confused, regardless of the situation, whether it’s a group seminar or a one-on-one conversation. Always be polite when you ask and don’t just interrupt.
4. For Testing
You can use questions that will be familiar to test people’s knowledge of a particular subject. Questions help determine what you know, whether you are being tested on your latest work project or taking part in the local quiz night.
5. To Encourage
A question is a good way to get people to consider a topic from a new perspective or to think about it more deeply. It can be useful to use probing questions to achieve this goal, as well as rhetorical questions that provoke thought without providing an obvious answer.
How to ask the right questions
Asking questions is one thing, but asking the right types of questions depends on the situation. In problem-solving situations, for instance, an open approach is recommended.
If you are confirming information, it’s best to use close questions. Below is a list of six types of questions you can use to gather information: Open, Probing, Hypothetical, Closed, Repetition, and Bridging.
Open
An open question allows you to explore a topic in-depth but provides no direction for further exploration. Example: How Do You handle Stressful Situations? Open questions can be useful when starting a new conversation, but they can also give people too much freedom and may need to be restricted and redirected.
A wide range of responses can be obtained by asking open-ended questions, which encourage people to discuss various topics. However, their open nature can mean people have too much scope and move off-topic, away from the information you’re trying to gather. When this happens, it’s important that you, as the questioner, take control and direct the conversation in the direction you want.
Probing
By asking probing questions, you can pinpoint the information you need. For instance. Could you give me an example of the resources you used for the project? Rather than dealing with facts, probing questions are designed to get people to think more deeply about a topic or issue. They’re helpful for focusing on details. A probing question can help a person solve their own problems, particularly on a work project, as it allows for multiple responses. A Probing Question, such as “Can you give me an example of the resources you had for the project?” can help the person focus on the information you need.
Closed
Closed questions are useful if you’re trying to obtain very specific information, for example when confirming facts. Was the project successful?
Use your tone of voice to indicate that it’s a question, and ask the speaker to confirm or elaborate on a point. Communicate by actively listening.
Closed questions, which ask for short answers such as yes or no, should be used when more information is needed. In general, closed questions are easy to answer since the options are limited, but the questioner must have a good understanding of the subject before they can be asked.
Bridging
Bridging questions introduce new avenues of inquiry while relating them to what has been said before. The purpose of bridge questions is to move the interaction forward by asking open-ended or probing questions. They should only be used when there is a clear connection.
Repetition
When you are using repetition questions. In order to help the speaker reinforce or elaborate on a point they have made, repetition is a very effective way to do so. It’s imperative that the right words are chosen to prompt the speaker to get to the desired information. However, if overused, the technique can become irritating.
Hypothetical
Hypothetical questions are used to encourage speculations or to think through a problem. Hypothetical questions ask about possible experiences, behaviors, or feelings. Hypothetical questions are only suitable in some environments. For example, leading questions like: I think this product is more suitable for you, what do you think?
These shouldn’t be used in a sales environment as they influence the answer given. In order to ensure that your questions are answered effectively, refrain from asking multiple questions at once. The overwhelming and confusing nature of multiple questions means most people will only answer one part, leaving you with incomplete information. Use hypothetical questions to find solutions and think about situations.
Designed to elicit an opinion, rather than ask about experiences, behaviors, or emotions these types of questions rely on assumptions rather than facts and are meant to elicit an opinion rather than knowledge.
During an exchange, you should always be prepared to alter or abandon your plan as you react to the unanticipated and adapt your questioning accordingly. There is as much importance to the way in which you ask a question as it is to the question itself. In order to make them feel comfortable, use open and non-threatening body language to encourage the other person to answer. As you approach the question, ensure that you pay attention to your tone, volume, pace, and clarity of voice.
The relationship you had with the other person in the past will have an effect on how you ask and how they respond to the question. Especially if the question-asker is senior, the replier may feel pressured to respond with what they think the other person wants to hear and find it difficult to be assertive. In addition, they may have difficulty asking probing questions or bringing up sensitive topics.
In order to encourage an honest discussion, it is important to acknowledge the other person’s point of view and use open body language to make the other person feel at ease. It is important that you take the time to think carefully before you answer questions, be confident in your response, and if you do not know the answer… say so! Therefore, asking the right question involves understanding what type of question to use in a given situation, thinking through how you will ask the question, and considering how your relationship may affect the other person’s response.
