Asking the right questions
HAMLET'S question was," To be or not to be." He probably never got an answer because it wasn't the right question to ask in the first place! Asking questions is the best way to get an answer but rarely does anybody go about asking them. There is the probably apocryphal story of William Randolph Hearst, the publishing magnate, sending a telegram to a leading astronomer asking, "Is there life on Mars? Please cable 1000 words." The astronomer's reply was "Nobody knows" - repeated 500 times!
The right kind of question always gets the right kind of response. If you discover that you're not getting the right answers, it's time to bone up the art of effective questioning.
The power of questioning
Questions are asked to gain knowledge, understand things and discover needs. The art lies in knowing the right question to ask, at the right time and in a right way. Don't ask questions to look smart or to impress. Questions are asked to understand what is partially comprehensible or totally incomprehensible. Don't ask for a yes or no unless you want that kind of reply. Closed ended questions never give you the details. Use open questions that encourage discussion and give you more insights upon which to build. To get information on a particular subject, resort to fact finding that is aimed at gathering data on the subject concerned. Use your questions to build rapport with others and to gain r trust. If people are comfortable with you, they 'll be comfortable giving an effective answer. Try and follow-up with queries to get more information and insight into a person. Asking effective questions is part of being an effective communicator.
Dump the Whys
One of the most important things to remember about effective questioning is to avoid being judgmental. `Why' questions are considered rude and intrusive. Why isn't the work done? Why haven't I been informed? These questions shaded with condescension and will only elicit defensive replies. They need to be rephrased to `What' questions. What are the reasons for which the work has not been done? The aim of questioning is not to order and correct but to understand and improve. Questions should begin with Who, What, When, How Much and How many.
When you ask a question remember to:
Look and Listen - If you observe and listen, you will know what to ask and when
Write it out - Jot down the question so that it is a properly worded
Be Polite - Use "Please" and "Thank you for your attention". Show appreciation to people. That will make them want to answer you
Aim for clarity - Make sure your question is aimed at clearing your doubt. If you ask a clear question you will get a clear reply
Kiss it - well, not really, but `Keep it Short and Simple'! Do not make your questions, long winded and complex
Risk it - Don't be afraid of being wrong or looking foolish. If you have a doubt, just ask the question
Successful people are successful because they have asked the right questions and got the right answers. Their style of inquiry sets them apart and brings out the best in their teams. The right question removes doubt and stirs up discovery and action. It creates the possibility of growth, learning and a much more clear vision. Ask the right questions - it's an art you should learn.
SUJATA PATNAIK
sujata.hyd@cnkonline.com
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