3 Insightful Questions You Can Ask Today
The wrong question makes you look slow witted. Insightful questions ignite engagement.
Don’t make statements before asking at least one question.
Overconfidence kills curiosity.
People with all the answers don’t ask questions.
Avoid quick answers:
Perhaps you’re concerned that questions make you look stupid. You’re right. Some questions do make you look stupid. But the right question makes you seem perceptive.
Respond slowly. Quick answers kill insightful questions. Worse yet, you look disconnected when your response misses the point.
Delay and dig. When someone stops talking, take a breath before you respond. Restate what they said. Ask an insightful question (especially if you think you know the answer).
Insightful questions produce brilliant responses.
Start with “what” or “how”:
Good questions don’t begin with verbs. A question that begins, “Don’t you think…,” is a search for agreement. People agree with the boss even when they disagree. Avoid questions that begin with…
- Do you agree…
- Isn’t it…
- Should we…
- Shouldn’t…
Delay and Dig. Delay making statements. Dig deep using insightful questions.
Encourage reflection with three insightful questions:
Ask one of the following questions before offering suggestions.
- What’s important to you about this? (Purpose)
- What’s causing you to bring this up? (Situation)
- If things were going perfectly, what would it look like? (Future)
When you ask about purpose, your response is more profound. When you ask about situations you seem caring. When you ask about the future you ignite energy.
One insightful question will make you seem perceptive.
What are some questions leaders could ask before offering suggestions?
What do you notice about the questions I listed?
Still curious:
Eye-opening Self-Reflection Questions for Leaders
Questions that Bring People to Life
1. How do you define the goal? or problem? or opportunity?
2. What have you tried and what happened?
3. Who should we talk with to get their views on this problem or opportunity?
4. How does this relate to our overall strategy?
Dan, I most like your first insightful question. Understanding how the person relates to the purpose is very meaningful.
One of my favorites is #2 on your list. What have you tried is a reminder of responsibility.
Insightful questions can be related to your field to know the impact of general talks. Keep it open for the presenter to respond based on his expertise and knowledge! I try this way to reaffirm on my thinking or to get additional insight.
Thanks, Dr. Asher. Use questions to explore the expertise of others. Who know, you might learn something.
* What are some questions leaders could ask before offering suggestions?
– Start with humility – ensure you understand what is being said.
“Do I have this right? What I heard you say is…”
Summarize briefly and listen to clarify. This builds rapport while helping guide your follow up questions.
* What do you notice about the questions I listed?
– The list of “don’ts” jump to conclusions
– The list of “reflections” invite conversation and look for clarity
Thanks for sharing your insights, Ryan. “Start with humility.” Lack of humility is one reason we lose curiosity. Arrogance knows. Why ask questions if you already know. Humility is open to learn.
You mention clarity. Just think about your next steps. Confusion wastes energy. Clarity maximizes results.
“What do you notice about the questions I listed?”
The absence of “why” questions.
(I was in a seminar once discussing something similar. The facilitator asked me why you shouldn’t ask a why question. As I struggled to articulate an answer, I realized my bumbling was the perfect answer!)
Great catch, Rob. “Why” questions can be useful, but I seldom use them. They can feel like accusations. “Why did you do that?” If you want people to feel defensive ask, “Why?”
A “what” question even works when exploring purpose.
All due respect the 5-whys approach. When you’re searching for a root cause, I can see the value of asking “why”. But nine times out of ten, I’m asking, “What?”
All your question invite collaboration
Thanks Andrea. Wonderful observation. I hadn’t thought about it that way. It’s took me too long to realize we go further together.