Stop Asking Boring Questions – 3 Ways to Ask Questions People Love to Hear
You don’t need to be Einstein to ask questions that lift flagging spirits and ignite vitality.
Lousy questions are tyrants. Good questions invite interesting answers. But great questions disturb the domestic tranquility.
Great questions build relationships, open windows of insight, and enhance self-knowledge.
3 ways to ask questions people love to hear:
#1. Ask about something in their office.
- Where was that picture taken?
- What did you do to earn that trophy?
Always ask follow-up questions that tell people you’re listening and interested in learning more.
#2. Ask about something they mention.
Someone might say, “I watched a movie with my daughter last night.” That’s your cue to ask about their daughter. “Oh, how old is your daughter?”
Set the stage for a personal question by revealing something about yourself.
“Oh, I have a 10-year-old son. How old is your daughter?”
#3. Ask questions that highlight strengths.
After pleasantries, raise your eyebrows a little and say, “So tell me, what are you good at?” The follow-up to this question salutes people, especially new acquaintances and builds instant raport.
“I bet you are good at that. I’d love to know how you got so good at that?” If you’re uncomfortable using “love” just say, “So tell me, how did you get good at that?”
When you know someone, try a personalized approach to highlighting strengths.
“I notice you’re really good at leading meetings. What advice do you have for leading great meetings?” (Replace ‘meetings’ with any skill you notice about someone.)
Be interested in others if you hope to be a leader of impact and influence.
What questions do you love to hear?
What questions do you love to ask?
Bonus material:
12 Leadership Development Questions Any Leader Can Use Today | Leadership Freak
12 Questions that Expose the Real Problem | Leadership Freak
What questions do you love to hear? What and How? Why questions can be complicated yet challenging so enjoy them as well, testing ones knowledge base, experiences.
What questions do you love to ask? How can I help you? How is your day going? What can I do to make it better? (Loaded question)The answer may upset you, “Get out of my face”, just saying. On a more pleasant side they will confide in you and answer more kindly.
Seems as though it is also important to know when to ask the questions. Feeling the turbulence in the air might give some clues. I agree Tim about the loaded question and the possible reaction if your timing is off. Positively, Pauline
Questions I love to hear: “Can you help me please?” “How did you come up with that idea?” ( hopefully asked in a tone of wonderment and not “What a bizarre idea!!! tone.) “What would you most enjoy doing today?” “Where can I go from here?” How can I( we) improve?”
Questions I love to ask: ” How can we put this plan into action?” “What ideas do you have about our next step?” “What would you most love to be or do if you could be or do anything in the world?”
What are you currently working on?
What new questions have you been asking yourself?
What’s your big idea on this project?
What’s your dream? What do you want to produce?
What’s the most important thing you learned this week?
How can I help?
Hello,
This is the first (of many) article I read from you and what a delight.
Thank you.
As an aspergers I took notes on this for small talk ‘of any sorts’ is not my forte, I tend to dive deep into subjects that interest me, so with your brilliant questions, examples and answers I may now be able to interject some inviting exchange into this window!
Until the next article,
Catherine
The first question one should ask is of themselves. Will I like the answer I get?
Unless you are willing to accept uncomfortable answers, it may be best not to ask the question.
Thanks Hot. Powerful comment. Don’t ask if you aren’t willing to listen. It’s the unexpected or uncomfortable answer that has the most potential to change us, to challenge the status quo, to enable innovation.
My favorite cocktail party question is “What keeps you busy (outside of work)?”