Ask more questions and save time, improve relationships, increase understanding. 

Asking questions is one of the most powerful tools we have. Whether in our personal lives or in the workplace, knowing how to ask effectively can lead to better understanding, improved communication, and smarter decision-making. However, many people often overlook this important skill and tend to take information at face value. In a time when information is everywhere but not always trustworthy, developing the ability to ask the right questions is incredibly valuable.

For instance, when I worked in business brokerage, I questioned prospective sellers to understand the unstated thing they wanted from the transaction.  (There almost always was at least one.) In one case this revealed that they wanted a strong buyer who could maintain a building they had lovingly renovated.  This allowed us to speed up the selling process by qualifying the buyers more effectively.

Tips for Effective Questioning

• Be Open-Ended: Whenever possible, ask open-ended questions that encourage elaboration rather than simple yes or no answers. For example, instead of asking, “Did you like the presentation?” try “What aspects of the presentation interested you?” This invites a more thoughtful response.
• Tailor Your Questions: Consider your audience and the context when formulating questions. Adapt your inquiries to suit the situation, whether you’re speaking with colleagues, friends, or family members. Personalizing your questions can lead to more meaningful conversations.
• Practice Active Listening: Asking a question is just the beginning. Pay attention to the answers you receive. Do not start thinking of your next question. Quiet your mind and listen.  Active listening demonstrates that you value the other person’s input and encourages them to share even more. Reflect on their answers and ask follow-up questions to delve deeper.
• Embrace Curiosity, Not Judgment: Approach questions with a mindset of curiosity rather than skepticism. This helps create a safe space for others to share their thoughts without feeling defensive. When people feel supported, they are more likely to open up and provide honest, insightful responses.
• Be Patient: Sometimes, the best answers take time to formulate. Allow the other person the space to think and respond thoughtfully. Rushing to fill silence with more questions can stifle the conversation and prevent meaningful insights.

A few minutes of meeting preparation to have good questions ready can often save hours and hours of work.  Improve your productivity, relationships, and understanding through questions.