Author : Steve Kaye
Questions are a powerful communication tool that can help you advance your business, gain rapport with friends, and create harmony at home.Yet, many people avoid asking questions. They believe that asking questions implies weakness, reveals ignorance, or shows submission. People also avoid questions because they fear answers that cause change. And so, they prefer to continue making mistakes or to suffer with having less.Actually, asking questions is powerful. When you ask questions, you choose the topic and guide the conversation. The key is to ask high value, positive questions that move people's thinking toward the ideas that serve your agenda. Here's how.1) Plan QuestionsPrepare for every situation by asking yourself questions such as: "What do I want to learn from this or about this?" Then plan questions to gather that information.For example, if you are going to a job interview, what information do you need to decide if this is the right job? If you are meeting with a client, what information do you need to recommend the right product? If you are meeting with a contractor, what information do you need to sign the contract?When appropriate write out a list of your questions. The best questions begin with "how," "what," and "why" because these require more than single word answers. Then prioritize the questions, asking the most important first.2) Think QuestionsMost people respond to statements, situations, and questions by making direct replies. Unfortunately, responding before you have all the information that you need can lead to problems. Instead, respond with questions. For example:Statement: "Do you have a minute?"> Common response: "Sure."> Better response: "What do you need?" or "How can I help?"> Strategy: Find out what the person wants before you volunteer3) Use QuestionsSavvy leaders ask questions to help other people make decisions. They do this by asking positive, guiding questions that help others discover solutions, find possibilities, and consider options. For example:"What do you expect to be doing in three years?""How do you help clients make decisions to buy our products?""Where else might this benefit your organization?"Notice that these are open ended questions that make the other person think. Often the answers lead to more questions. Your goal, as a leader, is to help the other person find answers by asking good questions.- - -Steve Kaye helps leaders hold effective meetings. He is an IAF Certified
Professional Facilitator, author, and speaker. His meeting facilitation and
leadership workshops create success for everyone. Call 714-528-1300 for
details. Visit http://www.stevekaye.com for a free report.
Keyword : communication skills, business communication, respect, mature behavior
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