The major mistake people make in
conversation is being so focused on what they’re going to say next or how what
the other person is saying is going to influence them that they fail to hear
what’s being said. The words come through loud and clear, but the meaning is
lost.
There is a simple ways to avoid it. People like to know you’re listening, and something as
simple as a clarification question shows that not only are you listening but
that you also care about what they’re saying. You’ll be surprised how much
respect and appreciation you gain just by asking questions.
The 4 Keys to Asking Questions
1: Ask the Right People
Actually, that’s not always the right
answer. Your boss looks after so many people with different needs that he’s not
always aware of the problem you may have. He can certainly answer technical
questions you may have, but he might not know what you’re talking about when
you refer to that thing that keeps happening every time you’re in half guard.
2: Ask at the Right Time
3: Ask in the Right Way
4: Ask the Right Questions
The major mistake people make in
conversation is being so focused on what they’re going to say next or how what
the other person is saying is going to influence them that they fail to hear
what’s being said. The words come through loud and clear, but the meaning is
lost.
There is a simple ways to avoid it. People like to know you’re listening, and something as
simple as a clarification question shows that not only are you listening but
that you also care about what they’re saying. You’ll be surprised how much
respect and appreciation you gain just by asking questions.
The 4 Keys to Asking Questions
1: Ask the right people
2: Ask at the right time
3: Ask in the right way
4: Ask the right questions
1: Ask the Right People
Who is the best person to ask about
an issue? Chances are you just said “My boss”.
So who should you ask? Start with working
partners with whom the situation occurs. They’ll know exactly what you’re
talking about, making it easier to address the issue at hand.
You should also look to the specialists
in your area.
2: Ask at the Right Time
When is the best time to ask somebody
for their input? Right as soon as the session starts? Midway through the meeting
when everybody is busy in listening? Or at the end, while everybody is waiting
for the meeting to get over and they go to their tasks?
Yep, right at the end is always best.
With the meeting agenda out of the way, you’re free to ask for somebody’s
attention for a few minutes. Don’t interrupt the main agenda by trying to ask in
the middle of meeting.
3: Ask in the Right Way
How you ask depends on what kind of
response you’ll receive. If you simply say “Hey can you show me…?” they might
not want to share their super-secret winning techniques with you.
Instead, phrasing the question as
follows can massively improve the success of a positive answer. “Hey I was
hoping you could do me a favor – I’m having this problem and I thought you’d be
the best person to ask…” You’re giving them the opportunity to help a poor soul
in need, while simultaneously giving them the option to exit if they’re busy
AND flattering their ego at the same time!
4: Ask the Right Questions
Now you’ve got the attention of the
person who’s going to help you, what do you ask them?
If you ask, “Have you got any advice
for how to do YYYY?” then I’m sorry but you’re doing it wrong. Instead,
ask them “I’ve been doing YYYY but I’m not sure if it’s the right way. What do
you think? Is there a better way to do it?”
Rather than just asking for random
ideas and input, you show them what’s wrong and you get them to both correct it
AND to show you how they do it effectively.
==
With this formula you’ll be able to
get game-changing input from everyone in your work area, without having to
spend too much time and wasting countless hours searching for answers to your
technical problems.
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