The ability to ask questions is perhaps one of the most under-utilized skills in communications. Great managers have the ability to ask brilĀliant questions and we can all become more effective at asking questions of others. The ability to ask questions allows us to achieve a number of objectives that are all vital in communicating with others:
As already emphasized we are far too inclined to talk rather than ask questions, so developing a toolkit of effective questioning techniques can be a valuable asset. Listed below are the classic types of questions we might use:
Multiple: so I would like to get your reactions to the timescales and the resourcing issues as well as your overall view of the project?