The future is built by the curious.
Stupid questions are easy to turn into smart opportunities. Notice the following examples.
“Don’t you think it would be better if…?” Or “What are some other options?”
“Why did you do it that way?” Or “What didn’t happen that caused this failure?”
“What were you thinking?” Or “What would you do differently next time?”
“Are you sure that’s a good idea?” Or “What makes you believe that will work?”
“Why didn’t you come to me sooner?” Or “What needs to be in place for you to be comfortable coming to me sooner next time?”
4 Ways to Ask Powerful Questions
#1 Touch Imagination
- What would it look like if you hit a home run this week?
- Where would you go if you cut the sandbags from your balloon?
- How might you navigate stormy seas ahead?
#2 Use Action Words
- What did you do that made this come together?
- What will you do next? What makes you think that will work?
#3 Add Time
- When will you try that?
- What worked last time? What didn’t?
- What’s next for you?
- If you wait, what’s at risk?
#4 Shift Perspective
- What would you do if you were the CEO? The customer?
- What might your colleagues suggest?
- What challenges are your direct reports facing that you’re not seeing?
Challenge
Is your curiosity closed, open, or something in between? Don’t use verbs like “Wouldn’t it be good if you…”
Don’t use curiosity to give advice. Open questions begin with what, how, who, or when.
Consider tone. Is your curiosity filled with doubt or optimism? The spirit behind curiosity shapes the response you receive.
Commit to asking two questions before making one statement.
What are some stupid questions?
What guiding principle for curiosity can you add?
Powerful Questions Produce Results
7 Questions You Can Use to Help Anyone Develop, Even the Boss
The Art of Asking Great Questions HBR
