| Are you asking the right questions?
Does it seem to make others mad?
Asking the right questions is essential to getting information, building bonds with supervisors or managers, colleagues and getting noticed when it matters.
Taken from an article by Avaz Naji called “How to Ask Great Questions at Work” …
Asking the right questions helps you get noticed…
Being proactive, inquisitive and determined…
Are important tools as communication and deliver significant benefits…
People who ask questions are considered…
More competent…
More understanding, responsive and likable…
And Improve their creative thinking…
How you ask a question is very important…
1. Use open-ended questions when appropriate…
Asking if a colleague likes you propose (NO)
Asking “What do you think about my proposal?” (YES!)
2. Don’t be the first person to speak after you’ve asked the question…
Silence makes you appear calmer and more patient and gives the other more time to consider their answer
If they don’t respond right away, count up to 10 before continuing…
3. Ask questions at the right time…
Asking non-urgent questions during high stress situation can antagonize your colleagues and reduce the chance of receiving a well-considered answer
4. Ask more follow up questions…
Follow up questions lets your partner know you are listening, care and want to know more
This article provides some great suggestions to use in different situations:
At a job interview…
“What are your thoughts on me as a candidate?”
“What are some of the challenges you’ve seen people in this role encounter?”
On your first day…
“What should I focus on doing today?”
“Who are a few key people I should try and meet today?”
One-to-one chats with your boss…
“What’s one thing I could do differently that would help you?”
“What is the most important task on your to-do list today, and is there any way I can help?”
Asking for a raise…
“Can I explain why I feel I have earned a raise?”
“If a raise isn’t possible at the moment, what can I do to improve my chances in the future?”
Receiving negative feedback…
“Can I have time to process this feedback?”
“Can you specify what you are unhappy about with (area of the complaint)?”
Losing you job…
“What is the reason for this decision?”
“Can I have a reference?”
These suggestions will probably work very well in the situations listed…
Lack of communication or misunderstood communication can cause problems…
Remember, the better we communicate the easier our lives can be…
Think of a disagreement with your significant other…. was it truly a disagreement or a miscommunication?
I know for myself… A lot of times… it’s the miscommunication…
Hope this finds you in good spirits, know I value you….
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